Cape Town: Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr. Dion George, has joined the global community in celebrating Earth Day 2025 while also reflecting on South Africa’s progress in safeguarding the environment and fostering a sustainable future for all. ‘Since taking office as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, my department has worked diligently to advance policies and initiatives that protect our environment while promoting resilience and prosperity,’ the Minister said on Tuesday.
According to South African Government News Agency, this year’s Earth Day is being celebrated under the theme: ‘Our Power, Our Planet,’ which is a call for everyone to unite around renewable energy and the global target to triple clean electricity by 2030 as agreed upon at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Dr. George emphasized the importance of accelerating the transition to renewable energy by expanding solar photovoltaic and wind energy to address South Africa’s electricity needs while advancing climate goals, aligning with the ambitions of the Paris Agreement.
The Minister highlighted efforts to hold Eskom accountable for their emissions through very strict conditions, ensuring compliance with environmental standards while supporting energy reliability. Moreover, the development of carbon markets aims to unlock the rich potential of South Africa’s biodiversity, creating economic opportunities while promoting conservation and climate resilience.
South Africa is steadfast in its efforts to protect its rich fauna and flora. A landmark achievement has been brokering a court case to save the iconic African Penguin from extinction, ensuring this treasured species endures for future generations. The government is also cracking down on environmental crime, holding criminals accountable for the poaching of precious animals, including rhino, abalone, pangolins, and plants, to safeguard biodiversity for future generations.
Dr. George emphasized the importance of sustainable water management in a water-scarce country like South Africa, where climate change intensifies complexities. He commended the City of Cape Town for earning an A rating from the Carbon Disclosure Project in 2022 for its climate change disclosures and recognition as a national winner in the One Planet City Challenge. As a member of the C40 Cities alliance, Cape Town is dedicated to innovative solutions to combat climate change, with ambitions to achieve Urban Forest status in the coming years.
As the chair of the Group of Twenty (G20), South Africa will use this platform to make further progress on improving the global environmental situation, advocating for sustainable development and collaborative solutions to protect the planet for future generations. Across the country, efforts to maintain clean and presentable environments through efficient service delivery and responsible resource management are ongoing.
From urban cleanups to sustainable waste practices, the government is working to preserve South Africa’s natural beauty. On this Earth Day, Dr. George urged all South Africans to join in protecting the environment through actions such as reducing waste, conserving water, or supporting sustainable policies. ‘Together, we can ensure that South Africa’s natural heritage thrives for generations to come,’ the Minister concluded, encouraging a renewed commitment to a greener, more resilient South Africa.