Towards sustainability: reducing energy consumption and carbon emission footprints―examples and lessons learned from Potchefstroom, a medium sized African city

摘要

Less than 200 years since human beings began emitting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, global concentrations of these gases are increasing at an alarming rate. As a result of the acceleration in the rate of GHG emissions, the total concentration of GHG's in the atmosphere has increased by 30% since pre-industrial times. Especially since the late eighties the international community became increasingly concerned with the future impacts of anthropogenic GHG emissions. Scientists are predicting that increases in GHG levels may result in elevated average global temperatures, changes in regional precipitation rates, increased incidence and intensity of extreme weather events, and a rise in sea levels. It is also predicted that anticipated changes in climate patterns will detrimentally affect cities and urban areas. Changes in precipitation will adversely affect urban water supplies, while an increase in extreme weather events may damage urban infrastructure, and higher sea levels will eventually inundate infrastructure and settlements in many coastal cities. Local governments, therefore, are challenged to acknowledge and address their contributions to the long-term risks posed by climate change, as well as to realise the multiple benefits of cleaner and more efficient energy consumption practices. Through their leadership roles and decision-making powers, local governments directly influence and control many activities that generate GHG emissions. If the issue of climate change is to be addressed successfully, then the reduction of GHG emissions must also be addressed at the local level. One of the most efficient scenarios to reduce the GHG footprint of cities in the developing world is to adopt and implement strategies and practices that are more efficient. This article explains advances made by the city of Potchefstroom, South Africa, to reduce its GHG emission footprint, while financial resources are also saved that may be utilised for social development programmes.