SA highlights urgent need for collective climate action at G20 environment meeting
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, has warned that the world is rapidly running out of time to meet critical sustainability and climate targets – and called for accelerated, coordinated global action.
Speaking at the second G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, on Tuesday, Singh stressed the urgency of delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and broader climate objectives. 'We are less than five years away from our deadline to achieving the SDGs and the end of this critical decade for climate action,' he said. 'Yet we are still far from attaining these goals and action targets.'
According to Sustainable Development Goals: Country Report 2023 prepared by Statistics South Africa, South Africa's progress towards meeting the SDGs is mixed. While the country has made strides in education, healthcare, water, sanitation, electricity, and gender equality, significant challenges remain, especially in addressing poverty and inequality, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
SA highlights urgent need for collective climate action at G20 environment meeting
Narend Singh, the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, during a World Oceans Day event at Umkomaas North Beach on the South Coast, recently. He also interacted with fisherfolk and the community during the Sardine Run at the beach. Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, has warned that the world is rapidly running out of time to meet critical sustainability and climate targets – and called for accelerated, coordinated global action. Speaking at the second G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, on Tuesday, Singh stressed the urgency of delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and broader climate objectives. 'We are less than five years away from our deadline to achieving the SDGs and the end of this critical decade for climate action,' he said. 'Yet we are still far from attaining these goals and action targets.' According to Sustainable Development Goals: Country Report 2023 prepared by Statistics South Africa, South Africa's progress towards meeting the SDGs is mixed. While the country has made strides in education, healthcare, water, sanitation, electricity, and gender equality, significant challenges remain, especially in addressing poverty and inequality, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Authorities urge public to keep distance from Columbo the elephant seal
The George Municipality, in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), confirmed that a seal, affectionately known as Columbo, has been resting at Victoria Bay for a few weeks now. Image: Supplied AUTHORITIES have appealed the public to keep their distance from Columbo the elephant seal, who has been resting at Victoria Bay, after a suspected intoxicated person deliberately provoked the animal leading to a chase and aggressive behaviour, endangering volunteers and beachgoers. The George Municipality and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) said the immature male Southern elephant seal, currently around four to five years old and estimated to weigh approximately 500 kilograms, has been resting at Victoria Bay for a few weeks now. Columbo can be identified by a white spot on his left eye and a green tag on his hind flippers marked '0196'. Columbo was first recorded on the South African coast in November 2023 near Pinnacle Point, Mossel Bay, where he remained ashore for a month to moult. Since then, he has returned to Victoria Bay on three occasions, with the most recent haul-out beginning on June 3, 2025 - his longest stay to date at 37 days and counting. 'During his current stay, Columbo has developed noticeable behaviours, such as 'fighting' with rocks, which has caused his teeth to wear down and led to the formation of an integumentary shield (a thickened patch of skin) on his chest,' the municipality and department said. Columbo is monitored during the day by volunteers from the Stranding Marine Animal Rescue Team (SMART), while a nearby security guard keeps a casual watch at night. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'However, the seal remains vulnerable to harmful human interactions, including people attempting to disturb or provoke him, sometimes for social media content. 'One recent incident involved a possibly intoxicated individual deliberately provoking Columbo, leading to a chase and aggressive behaviour towards this individual and endangering volunteers and other beach users.' Following several expert consultations, including marine biologists, veterinarians, and state officials, authorities said it was agreed that the best course of action is to leave Columbo undisturbed at Victoria Bay. 'Attempts to move or chase him into the ocean were considered risky, both to humans and the animal, and could cause distress or injury. Euthanasia is not justified in this case, as Columbo is not ill or suffering.' Members of the public have been advised to stay at least 20 metres away from the seal at all times, keep dogs on a leash and well away from the seal and to report any suspicious or harmful behaviour toward the animal to the relevant authorities or SMART volunteers on site. 'We appeal to all residents and visitors to treat Columbo with kindness and respect, and to help ensure that Victoria Bay remains a safe space for both people and wildlife.' Cape Times


The South African
4 days ago
- The South African
South Africa to host second G20 environment and climate meeting
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