Cape Town is recognised for its ambition and pioneering actions to combat climate change in its effort to bolster quality of life for its citizens. Cape Town – proudly green by design!
The judges found that Cape Town stood out as a role model for the global South with a showcase of green programmes and actions other cities can replicate.
Cape Town also demonstrates how city strategies to reduce carbon development and battle climate change can also help tackle other development priorities such as food, energy and water security.
Cape Town has taken bold steps towards transitioning its energy system away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy with its roll out of a solar water-heating program. Community engagement on sustainability issues and strong progress with energy efficiency, especially a large-scale retrofitting programme for its buildings stock, were other pioneering actions that were highlighted.
WWF South Africa’s CEO Morné du Plessis said: “We were excited that six South African cities submitted entries for this international competition and are delighted that Cape Town has been chosen as the Global Earth Hour Capital 2014.
“While this competition does not label cities as having achieved sustainability per se, it underscores the actions and commitment that can inspire other cities to work towards the goal of sustainability. In this respect, Cape Town has done us proud.
“With this week’s forthcoming UN report on climate impacts and vulnerability, The Earth Hour City Challenge focuses attention on the urgent and concrete action local authorities should be taking.”
ICLEI Africa (Local Governments for Sustainability), an association of cities and municipalities that partnered with WWF, provided the South African cities with the technical support to enter the competition.
ICLEI senior manager Jenny Clover said: “This outstanding win demonstrates the primary role of local governments in driving and facilitating a low-carbon transition in emerging economies; for the benefit of citizens. It is a win of which all South Africans can be proud.”
Cape Town’s executive mayor Patricia de Lille said: “Taking the baton from Vancouver as WWF’s Global Earth Hour Capital 2014 is an exceptional honour for Cape Town and is international endorsement of our comprehensive efforts around sustainability.”
“We are overjoyed that Cape Town has been selected from among so many great cities striving to create attractive, smart cities while tackling a multitude of urgent environmental and social challenges. We know we have a lot more work to do and the Earth Hour City Challenge is a great way for our city and our community to be inspired to continue moving forward.”
Cape Town Green Map says EISH Cape Town!
