Cape Town’s third annual Climate Week concluded after five days of dynamic events, uniting activists, leaders, and citizens in the pursuit of climate justice and sustainable urban solutions, Cape {town} Etc reports
Also read: Western Cape premier visits the Big Apple for New York Climate Week
The African Climate Alliance, in partnership with civil society stakeholders, hosted the third Cape Town Climate Week from 23 to 28 September.
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Founded in 2019, the Alliance emerged after a collective of school youth and adults organized a protest during the first global climate strike.
The week began with an Energy Resilience Exhibition and a screening of Temperature Rising, sparking discussions on a just energy future.
Climate week for me was a fun and interactive way for us to understand the intersectional challenges we face as a city, says Director of Project 90 by 2030, Lorna Fuller,
‘Our focus on energy justice speaks to the daily issues people face not only here in Cape Town, but also across South Africa.’
On Heritage Day, Day 2 featured the #IAmAnAfrican anti-xenophobia rally at the Castle of Good Hope and a walk-and-talk at Princess Vlei, emphasising grassroots efforts to preserve natural heritage and address racial disparities in access to green spaces.
On Day 3, over 100 young people joined Mzanzi Organics for a planting event at a Langa school, highlighting youth-driven system change and the importance of urban greening and food forests.
Day 4 featured a multi-modal journey with Langa Bicycle Hub and Unite Behind’s #FixOurTrains campaign, ending with discussions on affordable housing led by Ndifuna Ukwazi and Reclaim the City, highlighting the links between mobility, dignified living, and climate justice.
Head of Political Organising at Ndifuna Ukwazi, Buhle Booi, highlights the growing recognition that climate change is closely linked to housing, land use, and access to land.
‘Indeed, where someone lives and the condition of their home has a major impact on how they experience climate change, thus explicitly acknowledging that sustainability and resilience are central to the quality, liveability and long-term positive impact of housing.’
‘However, we are yet to see this acknowledgement filter into housing discourse and practice in South Africa, and this needs to change urgently.’
The final day centred on food and land justice at Vegkop Farm in the Philippi Horticultural Area,, ending with a panel on gender justice and climate change at UCT.
Cape Town Climate Week underscored the vital role of grassroots action in tackling climate change and social injustice.
Events explored the intersection of climate justice, spatial inequality, food security, and gender equality while emphasising the need for accessible public transport to overcome spatial apartheid.
Youth leadership played a key role in driving efforts for a just and sustainable future.
The inclusion of heritage sites in discussions highlighted the importance of preserving local identities in addressing global challenges.
Though the week has ended, it marks the beginning of a broader movement towards climate and social justice, fostering new collaborations and commitments to action.
Partner organisations included Project 90 by 2030, Fossil Free South Africa, PHA Food & Farming Campaign, Mzansi Organics, Langa Bicycle Hub, Unite Behind, Ndifuna Ukwazi, GRIT, Rainbow UCT, and Triangle Project.
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Picture: Supplied
