LEADERSHIP ROLE OF PARLIAMENT IN CLIMATE CHANGE Theme: Parliament as a champion for action on climate change

1. LEADERSHIP ROLE OF PARLIAMENT IN CLIMATE CHANGE� Theme: Parliament as a champion for action on climate change Presented by Sisa Njikelana � Member of Climate Change Steering Committee 13TH and 14th September 2011 As we approach the African COP, otherwise known as COP 17, let me share what I deem as the expected leadership role of Parliament on Climate Change�� a national duty that is even captured in its current its theme: �Parliament as a champion for action on climate change�. I intend sharing views and suggestions on how to contribute towards a successful African COP and BEYOND! As we approach the African COP, otherwise known as COP 17, let me share what I deem as the expected leadership role of Parliament on Climate Change�� a national duty that is even captured in its current its theme: �Parliament as a champion for action on climate change�. I intend sharing views and suggestions on how to contribute towards a successful African COP and BEYOND!

2. BACKGROUND  Strategic aim of the workshop Empower Members of Parliament Instill confidence building amongst MP�s Ensure role of Parliament on preparations for COP 17 are on firm footing Launching pad for Climate Change Theme: �Parliament as a champion for action on climate change�.

3. BACKGROUND  From Copenhagen to Cancun to eThekwini Prospects of success in COP 17 Entrenched economic interests Trade vis-a-vis demise of DOHA ROUND The roadmap from Copenhagen through Cancun to eThekwini, the African COP is full of memories worth sharing especially the turnaround from Copenhagen to Cancun, thanks to good work by the Mexican Government. Prospects of success in COP 17 are supposed, amongst a host of expected thrusts, to be buttressed by our Parliament. Whilst there may be limited successes in Cancun let me be quick to caution that entrenched economic interests are strong enough to limit the breakthrough. As an analogy let me take global trade whose prospects are threatened by the looming demise of the DOHA ROUND. Once again entrenched economic interests take precedence and their ascendancy compels me to give a strong caution that we avoid repeat of such in climate change negotiations. The roadmap from Copenhagen through Cancun to eThekwini, the African COP is full of memories worth sharing especially the turnaround from Copenhagen to Cancun, thanks to good work by the Mexican Government. Prospects of success in COP 17 are supposed, amongst a host of expected thrusts, to be buttressed by our Parliament. Whilst there may be limited successes in Cancun let me be quick to caution that entrenched economic interests are strong enough to limit the breakthrough. As an analogy let me take global trade whose prospects are threatened by the looming demise of the DOHA ROUND. Once again entrenched economic interests take precedence and their ascendancy compels me to give a strong caution that we avoid repeat of such in climate change negotiations.

4. CONTEXT SA Constitution provides framework for provision of leadership Vision & core functions of SA Parliament Ultimate political power lies with the people All citizens are equally entitled to the rights, privileges and benefits of citizenship and equally subject to the duties and responsibilities of citizenship. The right to life which is threatened by climate change is equally entrenched A people�s Parliament whose vision includes transforming the entire society. � A people�s Parliament providing a national forum for public consideration of issues, which includes educating, informing and involving the people of South Africa in its processes and acting as a voice of the people. A people�s Parliament working with continental and international bodies to create a new democratic and participatory world order. A people�s Parliament passing good laws, A people�s Parliament that has to scrutinise and oversee executive action, as it moves to improve the quality of life of the people of South Africa, building a united and democratic South Africa. A people�s Parliament co-operating with other spheres of government as it deepens and entrenches our democratic values. All citizens are equally entitled to the rights, privileges and benefits of citizenship and equally subject to the duties and responsibilities of citizenship. The right to life which is threatened by climate change is equally entrenched A people�s Parliament whose vision includes transforming the entire society. � A people�s Parliament providing a national forum for public consideration of issues, which includes educating, informing and involving the people of South Africa in its processes and acting as a voice of the people. A people�s Parliament working with continental and international bodies to create a new democratic and participatory world order. A people�s Parliament passing good laws, A people�s Parliament that has to scrutinise and oversee executive action, as it moves to improve the quality of life of the people of South Africa, building a united and democratic South Africa. A people�s Parliament co-operating with other spheres of government as it deepens and entrenches our democratic values.

5. South African National Framework for Sustainable Development: Interdependence between People � Planet - Prosperity