An intensive bilateral meeting was held in South Africa 28-29 July 2003 between senior representatives of the United States and South African Governments to explore bilateral cooperation in the field of global climate change. The U.S. delegation was headed by Dr Harlan Watson, US Senior Climate Change Negotiator and Special Representative, and consisted of representatives from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce (the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration), Energy, and State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The South African delegation, headed by Dr Chippy Olver, Director General of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, consisted of representatives from a number of Government departments including Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Minerals and Energy, Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry together with delegates from the Council for Industrial and Scientific research, academia and the energy industry.

The South African delegation presented their current situation regarding climate change, including technological innovation, vulnerability and adaptation, not only in South Africa, but also in Southern Africa and the African continent. South Africa and the United States remain committed to working through the multi-lateral agreement, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

South Africa reiterated its commitment to the Kyoto Protocol and its early entry into force and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities of Parties in addressing climate change. In this context, South Africa wishes to explore all possibilities for meeting the challenges of sustainable development posed by climate change to South Africa, Southern Africa and the African continent.

The United States made a comprehensive presentation of its climate change position, as announced by President Bush. The U.S. policy includes three basic components: slowing the growth of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through an 18% reduction of GHG intensity by 2012; laying the groundwork for current and future actions through investments in science and technology; and working with other nations to develop an efficient and effective global response to climate change.

The presentations led to a lively and constructive exchange of ideas. Areas of potential cooperation were identified that could benefit both parties and advance the achievement of their respective objectives.

The discussion was joined on the second day of the meeting by South Africa’s Minister for Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Mr Valli Moosa. The U.S. and South Africa agreed to strengthen their bilateral cooperation in the area of climate change and to explore the potential for several joint projects in the spirit of cooperation and partnership under the UNFCCC. In this context, South Africa and the U.S. announced their intention to engage and enhance collaborative projects in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, carbon sequestration, clean energy technology, impact assessment and adaptation options, carbon cycle monitoring, and economic modeling. The two parties agreed to continue their bilateral dialogue through a working group chaired by Dr. Olver and Dr. Watson.