2022 calls for nominations are open!

The climate struggle is an incredibly unequal one. African countries are known to have contributed the least amount of carbon emissions, yet, will unfairly bear the biggest brunt of the effects of extreme climate change. The world is off track to limit climate change to a safe level. There’s another issue: African economies need to strengthen. But how can this be done when so many countries don’t have adequate access to power? As the world faces an energy crisis, what are the best means of ensuring energy access to all but in a way that doesn’t raise emissions, which we can ill afford? It’s a really difficult balancing act to get right.

This year the UN climate change conference COP27, held in Egypt is already being labelled “the African Cop”, and it’s where some of these challenges will be addressed. South Africa faced destructive floods this year as KwaZulu-Natal was battered by heavy rains and landslides. Climate change is very real, and is a massive threat. The 448 people who died, the thousands more who were displaced and the huge loss of infrastructure are all testament to this.

At the end of COP26 in Glasgow last year, $8.5-billion was pledged to South Africa to help end its reliance on coal. This was a watershed moment, as described by President Cyril Ramaphosa, a sign that many countries were taking a changing climate seriously. South Africa is a major greenhouse gas emitter and cannot sustainably wean itself off coal without financing. The sector generates thousands of jobs, and weaning off coal could be devastating to many if not done correctly. South Africa is also plagued by power cuts. The knife edge we’re on just got thinner and the balancing tougher.

The theme at COP27 this year is “Supporting Climate Resilience and a Just Energy Transition in Africa”. For this year’s Greening The Future Awards, we think it is crucial to take stock of organisations and individuals who are embracing the challenges of building resilience to climate change, powering regions sustainably and creating jobs in this wide space. This edition will recognise individuals, corporates, financial institutions, civil society, local community groups and government departments that have actively and positively embraced climate resilience, moving away from coal in a way that creates jobs for people.

This year, we are aligning these awards to match COP27. This is a significant moment for African countries to have their climate needs and resilience concerns put first. This year’s prestigious Greening the Future awards will announce worthy environment champions who are working towards lowering global temperatures, sustainable energy and creating jobs in the sector. The members of this select group are committed to protecting communities and natural habitats, embracing clean energy, mobilising finances and collaborating across sectors to protect the environment and overcome the challenges of the climate crisis.

 

Submission criteria:

  • A brief overview is required to demonstrate the impact of the project/ contribution on environmental sustainability in South Africa.

    • This can include its purpose, outcomes and key achievements.

  • The entrants should be South African individuals, groups or organisations operating in Southern Africa.

    • This should detail what makes this project/contribution unique and the innovative practices or resourcefulness in its design or implementation.

  • We want you to demonstrate the positive impacts of the project/ contribution and how it has changed community behaviour and/or business practices.

  • We need to see how the project or contribution has worked collaboratively and across sectors to achieve its goals.

  • How has the contribution/project generated environmental awareness in the community? Share figures or evidence of environmental benefits such as waste reduction, water conservation or building resilience in the face of climate change.

  • Did the project achieve outcomes beyond those that were expected? Tell us about them.

  • We’d like to hear about any challenges faced during implementation or delivery – and importantly, how these have been overcome.

  • Finally, what is the long term contribution of this project in South Africa?

Nominations form: