In a recent trip to the Eastern Cape, Earthlife Africa Johannesburg held several valuable engagements with local communities to discuss crucial environmental and energy justice issues. The visit was marked by a series of strategic meetings and dialogues to emphasize the importance of grassroots activism and collaboration, and gender and youth inclusion in driving sustainable change. Meetings were held in Jeffery’s Bay, Zwide, Humansdorp and Gqeberha.
The visit kicked off with the Green Hydrogen (GH2) strategy meeting in Jeffery’s Bay, where local partners took stock of the latest developments in GH2 in the Eastern Cape and explored the potential impacts (positive and negative) on communities.
The session also emphasized the need for synergy among the various organisations working to keep communities informed about new developments that could affect them. Through collaboration, efforts to help these communities address the challenges they face, would be much more effective.
Women in Energy and Climate Change Forum (WECCF) meeting in Uitenhage.
In a powerful display of unity and purpose, 60 women from various regions gathered for the Women in Energy and Climate Change Forum (WECCF). The discussions centred on the need for a gender-just transition, exploring how women can play an active role and highlighted the unique perspectives and contributions women bring to the table, to foster an inclusive approach to energy and climate change solutions.
With COP29 on the horizon, the Climate Justice Action Group (CJAG) and Grassroots for Climate Action (G4CA) met to strategize for impactful climate justice actions that would effectively amplify their voices and demands. The main concern for these mostly young activists, is to ensure that communities and community-driven initiatives are at the forefront of the climate justice movement.
Vladimir Slivyak, presenting to the ECCEF on Nuclear Energy in Zwide
The Eastern Cape Combined Environmental Forum (ECCEF) saw a remarkable turnout of 100 individuals representing various community-based organizations. The forum provided crucial updates on developments in energy, climate change, GH2, and nuclear issues in the country that activists will take back to their communities. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the government’s plans to invest in new nuclear projects and the associated risks, particularly concerning the proposed extension of the Koeberg nuclear plant’s operational life. By informing the community about these plans, the forum empowered them to voice their concerns and equip them to participate in decision-making processes that impact their livelihoods.
As an environmental justice organisation that is focused on encouraging and empowering communities to lead and be involved in these critical issues, Earthlife Africa encourages communities to:
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest developments in energy and climate policies. Knowledge is power and staying informed enables communities to make educated decisions and advocate effectively.
- Collaborate: Work with local organizations to pool resources and expertise. Collaboration amplifies efforts and ensures a more cohesive approach to tackling environmental challenges.
- Advocate: Use your voice to influence policy decisions. Attend public meetings to find out more about what is happening in your community, engage with local government representatives, and participate in advocacy campaigns.
- Educate: Spread awareness about energy and climate issues within your community. Host workshops, share information on social media, and encourage others to get involved.
- Act: Participate in grassroots actions and initiatives. Whether it’s a community clean-up, a tree-planting event, or a protest, every action counts towards building a sustainable future.
Together, we can ensure that our communities not only adapt to the changing environmental landscape but also thrive and lead the way in the fight for climate justice. We look forward to seeing more citizens involved in these issues, on our next visit to the Eastern Cape.
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