| Climate change | Climate change | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/ACT_header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <div class="ExternalClass51CBB532F2B34DC7A93CEF31A96E5633"><p>Tackling climate change and becoming more resilient in our homes, places of work and as a Cape Town community requires the participation and collaboration of each of us. Each of us can take simple actions, some big and some small, to contribute.<br></p></div> | <span>
<h2 class="sectHeading">What is climate change?</h2></span>
<p>Climate change is a global threat which has already caused significant economic, social and environmental impacts.</p><p>Capetonians are familiar with the impact due to the recent drought, but by working together, we reduced water use by 50% in record time, to avoid the worst. This collaborative action is what we need to become more resilient, stronger and help reduce the impacts of climate change. </p>
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<h2 class="sectHeading">How does climate change affect Cape Town?</h2></span>
<h4>Our city is facing the following climatic changes:</h4><ul><li>Decreasing levels of average annual rainfall and changing seasonality of rainfall, which affects the amount of water we have access to. </li><li>An increase in the average annual temperature and increased maximum temperatures, which means an increase in hotter days, and more frequent and intense
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/3.1_Heatwave_Leaflet_ENGL%20-%20FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">heat waves</a>. </li><li>An increase in the average wind and maximum wind strength. </li><li>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/nature-and-outdoors/our-beaches-and-coast/sea-level-rise">Rising sea levels </a>and increased coastal erosion.</li></ul><h4>What we need to do to tackle climate change </h4><p>Cape Town, along with other cities in South Africa and worldwide, has committed to achieving carbon neutrality and climate resilience by 2050. Reducing global warming is key. </p><p>These targets can only be reached through significant transitions in urban form, energy sources, transportation and resource efficiency. Key elements are cleaning up our sources of electricity, making the built environment more efficient and the electrification of transport.</p><h4>What is carbon neutrality?</h4><p>Carbon neutrality means introducing new technologies to clean up the fuels and activities that cause greenhouse gas emissions, while enhancing our social, economic and environmental goals. Read more about the
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Carbon_Neutral_2050_Commitment.pdf" target="_blank">City’s Carbon Neutral 2050 commitment</a>.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">What is the City doing?</h2><p>We have
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Carbon_Neutral_2050_Commitment.pdf" target="_blank">committed to achieve carbon neutrality and climate resilience by 2050</a>. Along with the
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Climate_Change_Strategy.pdf" target="_blank">Climate Change Strategy</a>, we have developed a
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/CCT_Climate_Change_Action_Plan.pdf" target="_blank">Climate Change Action Plan</a> and
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/CCT_Climate_Change_Action_Plan_Summary.pdf">summary</a> that sets the pathway towards this goal. </p>
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<img class="responsive" alt="Climate Change" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre%20Assets/Climate%20Change%20Action%20Plan_100%20x%20100.jpg" style="width:111px;height:70px;" /></figure>
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<strong>CCT Climate Change Action Plan Summary</strong><br><br><br>Download a summary of the full action plan</span></p>
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<i class="icon download"></i>Download PDF</a> </strong></figcaption> </div></span>
<p>We have many programmes in place that support climate change adaptation, mitigation and climate resilience, and are working towards significantly growing these. </p><h4>Adaption</h4><p>In the adaptation and resilience work area, projects include: </p><ul><li>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/general/cape-town-water-strategy">developing our water resilience</a> </li><li>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Local%20and%20communities/Nature-and-the-community/Conserving-our-natural-heritage/Preserving-our-biodiversity">conserving our biodiversity</a> and
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/nature-and-outdoors/our-beaches-and-coast/conserving-our-coast">protecting coastal areas</a> </li><li>enabling appropriate nodal development through the adoption of a coastal urban edge</li></ul><h4>Mitigation </h4><p>To reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, our efforts include:</p><ul><li>building an efficient transport network;<br></li><li>developing our own clean energy generation; <br></li><li><a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/greener-business/saving-electricity-in-the-workplace/energy-usage-regulations-for-buildings">driving energy efficiency in our own municipal operations</a>;<br></li><li>enabling small scale embedded generation (SSEG);<br></li><li>procuring energy from <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/greener-business/cape-towns-green-future/independent-power-producers">Independent Power Producers (IPPs)</a>;<br></li><li>shaping regulatory and incentive mechanisms to <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/greener-business/saving-electricity-in-the-workplace/make-your-building-smarter">support net zero carbon buildings</a>; and<br></li><li><a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/general/urban-waste-projects">reducing waste</a>.<br></li></ul><p>We are reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. Over the last 10 years, our energy efficiency in municipal operations programme has saved over 231 GWH of electricity. This is enough electricity to power 35 clinics over 10 years and translates into 229 035 tons of avoided carbon emissions.</p><h4>Some highlights </h4><ul><li>60 City buildings retrofitted to make them more efficient </li><li>All traffic lights retrofitted with LED lights </li><li>563 kWp installed rooftop solar PV </li><li>34% of streetlights retrofitted</li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Let’s act for a stronger Cape Town</h2><p>Our new climate change response and resilience campaign, <em>Let’s ACT. For a stronger Cape Town</em>, aims to enable and support everyone to take action for a stronger, healthier and more resilient Cape Town. <br></p><h4>Actions you can take in your homes/workplaces: </h4><ul><li>Buy energy efficient appliances. </li><li>Buy sustainably produced and organic food where possible. Let their local shops know that they demand more sustainable products. </li><li>Change the light bulbs in the home to more energy efficient ones. </li><li>Empower colleagues with knowledge about sustainability and practical solutions in the office such as reducing paper printing. </li><li>Investigate how their community, neighbourhood watch and church can get involved in climate and community action to make us all, and our city, more resilient. </li><li>Invest in a
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/greener-living/saving-electricity-at-home/going-solar">solar PV system or a solar water heater </a>and also save on electricity bills. </li><li>Plant indigenous water-wise plants and trees in the garden. </li><li>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/greener-living/recycling-at-home/reduce-your-waste">Reduce, re-use and recycle</a>, including organic waste through home composting. </li><li>Reduce water usage in the home. </li><li>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/local%20and%20communities/community-building-and-upliftment/start-a-food-revolution/start-a-community-food-garden">Start or support a neighbourhood food garden</a>. </li><li>Switch off non-essential lights. </li><li>Teach children about living more sustainably. </li><li>Walk or cycle to the local shop. </li></ul><p>Join us and take action against climate change, for a stronger Cape Town. </p>
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<i class="info fastfact"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>What is a carbon footprint?</h4><p> Your carbon footprint measures how much carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases you create, depending on your lifestyle. The more waste you produce, the bigger your carbon footprint is.
<strong>Remember:</strong> The manufacturing, packaging, transport and disposal of the products you use all produce greenhouse gases.</p></div></div></span>
<h2 class="sectHeading">Resources</h2><h4>Smart Living Handbook</h4><p>To help you track your carbon footprint and make smarter choices in your daily life, we have created the
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/CCT_Smart_Living_Handbook.pdf" target="_blank">Smart Living Handbook</a>.</p><p>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Greener-living/Why-go-green/smart-living" target="_blank">Find out how to live smartly</a>.</p><h4>Cape Town Future Energy Festival</h4><p>Access interactive sustainable living information on the
<a href="https://www.capetownfutureenergyfestival.co.za/" target="_blank">Cape Town Future Energy Festival website<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>.</p><h4>Cape Town State of Energy and Carbon 2021</h4><p>Read our
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/CT_State_of%20Energy_and_Carbon_Report_2021.pdf" target="_blank">State of Energy 2021 Report </a>for information on the state of local energy and carbon data.</p><h4>Climate Change Action Plan and Summary</h4><p> Read our
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/CCT_Climate_Change_Action_Plan.pdf" target="_blank">Climate Change Action Plan</a> and
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/CCT_Climate_Change_Action_Plan_Summary.pdf" target="_blank">summary</a> to find out more about our climate change response journey and the actions required to fulfil our strategic vision.</p><h4>Climate Change Strategy</h4><p>Read our
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Climate_Change_Strategy.pdf" target="_blank">Climate Change Strategy</a> to find out how we plan to respond to climate change and deal with its impacts.</p><h4>Carbon Neutral 2050 Commitment</h4><p>Read the City's
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/Carbon_Neutral_2050_Commitment.pdf" target="_blank">Carbon Neutral 2050 Commitment</a> to find out how we plan to achieve carbon neutrality in Cape Town by 2050.</p><h4>Driving change for all: EV technology</h4><p>We are moving towards a future transport system based on zero-emissions and primarily electrically powered vehicles.
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/transport-and-vehicles/greener-travel/electric-vehicles">Find out more about electric vehicles</a>.</p><h4>Green House Gas Mitigation Potential from Habitat Restoration and Afforestation</h4><p>
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/GreenHouseGasMitigation-CSIR-ClimateChange-Report.pdf" target="_blank">Read the report</a> and accompanying
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/GreenHouseGasMitigation-CSIR-ClimateChange-Presentation.pdf" target="_blank">presentation</a> on Assessing the Green House Gas mitigation potential from habitat restoration an afforestation in Cape Town.</p><h4>Climate Change Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Study</h4><p>Read the Climate Change <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/Vulnerability_and_Hazard_Assessment_Report.pdf" target="_blank">Vulnerability and Hazard Assessment</a> for Cape Town. The study also includes an <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/ClimateChangeHazardVulnerabilityRiskAssessment-InceptionReport.pdf" target="_blank">Inception Report</a>,
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/ClimateChangeHazardVulnerabilityRiskAssessment-EconomicRiskAnalysisReport.pdf" target="_blank">Economic Risk Analysis Report</a>, and the
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/ClimateChangeHazardVulnerabilityRiskAssessment-ClimateResilienceInvestmentManual.pdf" target="_blank">Climate Resilience Investment Manual</a>.</p><h4>Independent Power Producers</h4><p>For more information on implementing IPPs, you can also read through our <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/IPP_FAQs.pdf" target="_blank">frequently asked questions</a>.</p><h4>My Clean Green Home</h4><p>My Clean Green Home is a net zero carbon home and an example of sustainable living in action.
<a href="https://www.capetownfutureenergyfestival.co.za/mycleangreenhome" target="_blank">Take a virtual walk through the My Clean Green Home pop-up exhibition, and experience net zero carbon living</a><i class="icon link-external"></i>.</p><h4>Save electricity</h4><p>You can save 10%-15% on your electricity bill by developing smart energy use habits in your home.
<a href="https://savingelectricity.org.za/" target="_blank">Find out how to save electricity<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>.</p><h4>Smart Home Disclosure Form</h4><p>Use our
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms%2c%20notices%2c%20tariffs%20and%20lists/CCT_Smart_Home_Disclosure_Checklist.pdf" target="_blank">Smart Disclosure Form </a>to learn more about the sustainability features of your home. Sellers and property owners can also use this form as a voluntary assessment tool to provide prospective homebuyers and tenants with information on the building’s performance - particularly with regard to energy and water consumption. </p><p>This empowers prospective buyers and tenants by allowing them to make an informed decision about the property, including the ongoing operational costs, liveability and comfort levels and the impact the home has on the environment.</p><h4>Media releases</h4><p>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news#k=ipp">Access our media releases on independent power producers</a>.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Contact us</h2><h4>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Departments/Sustainable%20Energy%20Markets">Sustainable Energy Markets</a></h4><p>
<strong>General enquiries</strong><br><em>Email:<br><a href="mailto:sustainableenergymarkets.enquiries@capetown.gov.za">sustainableenergymarkets.enquiries@capetown.gov.za</a> </em></p><p>
<strong>Independent power producer enquiries</strong><br><em>Email:<br><a href="mailto:electricityipp.enquiries@capetown.gov.za">electricityipp.enquiries@capetown.gov.za</a></em></p> | | GP0|#2b074005-16cb-4f11-8ec1-7bd25282a035;L0|#02b074005-16cb-4f11-8ec1-7bd25282a035|Let's act against climate change;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#fd14169b-2553-46d9-8c82-378f4b6a2b98;GPP|#39d66b11-2134-4df5-8360-0bc5e66e8f4f;GPP|#245ec7aa-a528-4cd3-bcac-597c292db711;GP0|#07003ebc-5724-407c-bbe8-93b5d09cd1e4;L0|#007003ebc-5724-407c-bbe8-93b5d09cd1e4|Let's act against climate change;GPP|#b3955b01-8f2f-4856-bfec-be7c68d3bbe1;GPP|#d6c1debf-2fe6-4caf-8748-a5126af00c53;GPP|#e88ff549-973f-4e3c-a46c-cfbe61bd6a24 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Our decisions have an impact on the world we live in. Let’s make changes today, to create a stronger city. | 0 |
