Pretoria - The National Climate Change Response Policy White Paper, which is to be gazetted next week, will give South Africa some "moral high ground" as it goes into COP17.
Speaking at a Post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday, Department of Environment Affairs spokesperson Albi Modise said the policy spelt out priority areas South Africa should look at in terms of cutting emissions.
He pointed out that the policy came at a time when the country was preparing to participate in and host 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
"I think it begins to give us some moral high ground but also begins to say this government is committed to ensuring we address the issue of climate change, also that we move or transition to a low carbon economy," he said.
Cabinet approved the National Climate Change Responsive Policy.
"This evolving policy must be seen as the embodiment of our commitment to a fair contribution to the stabilisation of global greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere and the protection of the country and our people from the impacts of unavoidable climate change," Cabinet spokesperson Jimmy Manyi said.
With regards to COP17, Cabinet noted a report on preparations for the conference, which will take place in Durban from 28 November to 09 December 2011.
Cabinet was satisfied that Durban was ready to welcome the approximately 20 000 delegates, adding that logistical arrangements, which include the venue, security, transportation, accommodation and communication technology, were in place.
"Cabinet is hopeful that the COP17/CMP7 in Durban will produce an outcome that is fair, balanced and equitable," Manyi added.
