Cape Town has proudly claimed the title of national winner in the prestigious WWF One Planet City Challenge (OPCC) for 2024, setting the stage for a potential global victory to be announced in November, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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This is a huge win in the fight against climate change.
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According to WWF, since its start in 2011, the OPCC has inspired cities worldwide to set climate goals in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C.
Cape Town, a national winner for the second time, previously won globally in 2014 by showcasing its commitment to low-carbon development amid pressing priorities.
This year’s other national finalists were the City of Tshwane and eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.
WWF South Africa and ICLEI Africa drew participation from over 30 African cities for this year’s OPCC, which includes over 350 cities from nearly 50 countries.
The challenge, one of the world’s largest for cities, requires submissions of climate action plans via the CDP-ICLEI Track platform.
The jury praised Cape Town for its impactful actions, such as compact urbanisation and transport electrification, and its integration of adaptation and mitigation efforts with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The city’s response to South Africa’s energy crisis was also highlighted as a commitment to renewable energy.
Each year, OPCC winners and finalists advance their climate actions through consistent reporting, which helps refine strategies and feeds data into regional and global discussions.
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WWF South Africa’s Innocentia Modau said: ‘We commend Cape Town and all the other participating cities in South Africa for their efforts and encourage more strong action to contribute to the urgent global climate agenda.’
Director of Climate Change, Energy & Resilience at ICLEI Africa, Dr Meggan Spires, said: ‘The City of Cape Town is one of ICLEI’s longest standing member cities, having joined our global network in 1994.’
‘The City of Cape Town has been a global trail blazer for climate change action for decades. ICLEI Africa congratulates the City of Cape Town on being named the South African national winner of WWF’s One Planet City Challenge. It is a significant and well-deserved accolade.’
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