Zuma calls for green economy
2011-12-03 12:33
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Zuma
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Durban - The business sector should expect an impact on their operations as the country moves towards a green economy, President Jacob Zuma said on Saturday in Durban.
"In promoting this new green, sustainable and inclusive growth focus, we are putting together some policy proposals that will impact on the business sector," he said, addressing the world climate business summit on green business generation.
He said the measures would include a putting a price on carbon and other pollution, or taxing the over-exploitation of scarce resources.
Business should also expect natural resource charges or tradable permit systems.
Zuma said the threat of climate change was an opportunity for meaningful economic transformation.
"We have committed ourselves to our people as a government to work towards an inclusive, green, and sustainable growth."
The focus should be on empowering the poor, women and previously disadvantaged members of society.
"For as long as people lack adequate education and healthcare, infrastructure, access to land, capital, finance and market institutions, they simply cannot take advantage of growth, green or not," Zuma said.
Development in the renewable energy, marine aquaculture, wildlife management, waste services and ecosystem rehabilitation sectors could help to bridge the economic gaps still inherent in South African society.
- SAPA
