Date:             Saturday 19 May 2012
Time:            11h00 – 15h00
Where:         Malibongwe Restaurant, Lookout Hill, cnr of Mew Way and Spine Road
Bookings:    021 361 6259, or email to info@malibongwerestaurant.co.za
Menu:          Carrotmobbers will enjoy a set menu featuring traditional township dishes (R80 per person).
Enquiries:   021 487 2123
Secure parking is available.

Ever been to a sustainability protest march? Ever taken part in boycotting a polluting business? Ever felt frustration at how little actual effect these demonstrations have on the unsustainable way businesses behave? If the answer is yes, then you will love a Carrotmob, designed to offer a win-win situation for both businesses and the environment. This is because a Carrotmob is non-confrontational method of encouraging businesses to make themselves more sustainable, while increasing their profit and presenting an environmentally friendly public image. A Carrotmob doesn’t rely on negative motivators like protests or boycotts (the stick) to promote change, but instead uses a positive method of financial incentives (the tempting carrot of profit, hence “Carrotmob”) to encourage transformation in businesses. This is because we believe the only way to force businesses to become sustainable is to make it profitable.

A Carrotmob works like this: Customers are encouraged to “mob” a certain business on a certain day, leading to increased profits for that day. In return, the business pledges to invest a percentage of the profit from the event towards making themselves more sustainable or towards increasing the sustainability of their community. The idea is to use positive pressure and consumer choice to make it profitable for businesses to go green.

Following the success of South Africa’s first Carrotmob held at Maria’s Café in November, Climate Smart Cape Town presents Carrotmob Khayelitsha, where we take the mob to Malibongwe Restaurant in Khayelitsha to enjoy some traditional township cuisine. At the coming event mobbers will have the opportunity to show their financial support to this business that has pledged to use a percentage of the day’s profit to reducing their environmental impact by adapting to become more sustainable. In this way the Carrotmob will use a positive financial incentive to change the way Malibongwe does business.

In return for the opportunity to host the Carrotmob, Malibongwe has committed 30% of their profit on the day to transforming the following aspects of their business to increase their sustainability:

• Switching to energy-efficient light bulbs,
• Setting up a system to use organic waste generated by the restaurant in an urban agriculture project in a low-income area in Cape Town,
• Providing environmental awareness training to their staff, and
• Spreading the word about sustainability to their local community

Join us in Khayelitsha for a leisurely Saturday lunch and a form of environmental activism that offers less frustration and more fun!

A PDF flyer of this event can be downloaded here (1 MB).

Register by going to the official campaign page and clicking on the I’m Going button. For more information and to see what else Climate Smart Cape Town gets up to, visit the event on the CSCT facebook page or follow us on Twitter.

Interested in finding out more about Carrotmobs? View explanatory videos on Carrotmobs at www.carrotmob.org, or examples of previous Carrotmobs at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUz0kM1u_jk and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnT95iCbtmY.

Here, a summary of the results by BusinessLive:

• A plan to capitalise the Green Climate Fund, which will provide US$100 billion a year for green projects in developing countries, starting in 2020. Some details must be worked out at COP18 in Qatar next year, but US$30 billion in “fast track” funding should arrive by 2013.
• An agreement for the transfer of green technology knowledge to developing countries.
• A second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol. Russia, Japan and Canada are notably absent, but the EU, New Zealand and Australia are still in. The EU threatened not to recommit unless its “road map” for all nations, including top-polluter China, to adopt a legally binding agreement by 2020 was passed.
• While the road map didn’t go through, something close to it did. In the end, the words “legally binding” have been swapped out for “agreed outcome with legal force for all.”

An article in the DailyNews made a valid point: “A climate accord demands sacrifice from countries. It asks them to put common interest above national interest, a concept alien to governments which promise economic stability and prosperity to their electorates, not people across the world.

COP17 showed again that carbon emissions remain the backbone of wealth to many countries. Hence the painfully slow progress.”

What changes are you prepared to make to your lifestyle in Cape Town, what actions do you expect your local government to take? Tell us your ideas on our participate page.

Image courtesy AFP photo.

This conference has reinforced that although international discussions are important, change must happen first in our hearts, homes and cities. Let us take action and make the changes that we need to in our own lives and ensure that we support our local leaders to do the same.

Leaders in Cape Town and the Western Cape spoke on the Climate Smart Cape Town Pavilion about the vision they have for a green economy in our part of the world.

Alan Winde (Western Cape Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism), Anton Bredell (Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning) and Xanthea Limberg (Councillor for the City of Cape Town) discussed why a green economy is one that results in improved human well-being and social equity.

Watch this short video of a segment of Xanthea Limberg’s presentation.

Thanks to Gareth Morgan for the image and video.

The stand uses different coloured crates to create the outline of Table Mountain, with Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak, and is an iconic design that showcases the vision and the projects that will enable Cape Town to become a lower carbon city adapting well to the impacts of climate change, protecting its most vulnerable citizens and building an economic future based on clean development, localisation and jobs for all.

The video includes interviews with Stephen Granger, Climate Smart Cape Town Campaign Project Manager and Manager: Major Programmes and Projects at City of Cape Town; Stephen Lamb, Project Manager for the conceptulisation and construction of the Pavilion, and Durban resident Sibusiso Mncwabe who saw the Pavilion on television and had to come and see it for himself.

See photos of the Pavilion.

The following events took place on the Climate Smart Cape Town Pavilion:

A short presentation on the City of Cape Town MyCiti public transport bus system that commenced operations in May 2010. This uses a fleet of modern, comfortable buses that move in their own dedicated lanes on trunk routes. Feeder routes run through suburbs and industrial areas with smaller buses to bring passengers to the main trunk routes. The service has links to other forms of transport – at rail stations, long-distance bus services and the airport. They include a network of convenient, well-lit cycling and walking paths to and from the bus stops and stations. For further information on routes, fares and schedules, please visit: www.capetown.gov.za/MyCiti.

A presentation on Local Government perspectives in addressing climate change by Helen Davies, Director: Environmental Sustainability, Climate Change and Biodiversity, Department of Environmental Affairs and Planning, Provincial Government Western Cape.

The launch of the manual titled “Sustainable Mega-Events in Developing Countries: Experiences and Insights from South Africa, India and Brazil” (pictured to the right). This document looks at how can Mega-Events, such as the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa, the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India as well as the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, were used as catalysts for sustainable urban development. This event was in partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.

We will host the following event on Friday 9 December, the final day of COP17 and the Climate Change Response Expo:

11h00: A panel discussion titled “Green Economy – Vision of the Western Cape” with Alan Winde (Western Cape Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism), Anton Bredell (Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning), Xanthea Limberg (City of Cape Town) and an African Centre for Cities representative (tbc). A green economy is one that results in improved human well-being and social equity. The panelists will discuss different visions for a green future for the Western Cape region.

Alderman Walker (pictured to the right) invited partners to work together with the City to ensure that this vision becomes a reality and in so doing help to create a beacon for Africa.

Senior officials from World Bank, Global Environmental Fund, UNEP, UNDP, the Carbon War Room, ICLEI and private sector organisations attended the dinner.

Says Alderman Walker, “It was a dinner with a difference hosted in the most incredible space at COP17, the Climate Smart Cape Town Pavilion, made entirely out of recycled and reusable materials, off the grid, generating its own power from wind and solar – a fantastic practical example of sustainable living.”

Alderman Walker and City Officials discussed the Optimum Energy Future for Cape Town, which includes an Action Plan to guide implementation.

Says Alderman Walker, “The City is very well placed to put forward projects arising out of the Plan that meet the criteria of funders to mitigate and adapt to climate change.  It is an ambitious Plan, but one that the City is committed to implementing. We are looking for organisations and corporate partners that are willing to work with us, guide us and share knowledge”, she said.

Quotes from some of the guests:

“’We hope that this is the start of something special, and helps a wonderful City to become even more sustainable.” Peter Boyd, Chief Operations Officer, the Carbon War Room.

“Congratulations on your COP 17 stand and especially on your beautiful, well-managed City – a great example to others.” Daniel Hoornweg, World Bank.

“Best pavilion of all. Keep up the good work.” Claus Astrup, World Bank.

“Based on your presence during the COP, I can’t wait to visit Cape Town.”  Murat Armbruster, Senior Advisor Carbon War Room.

“We congratulate you for developing Climate Smart Cape Town. This is an example to replicate, not only in South Africa, but in Africa and beyond.”  Pedro Basabe, UNEP.

“Your stand is a fantastic example of sustainable living and ideas. The City of Cape Town is truly setting an example to others.” Louwrens Visser, Sustainability Officer, Siemens.

“Cape Town is not only one of the most beautiful and creative cities, but is also on the cutting edge of green energy, fighting climate change and conserving biodiversity.  The City is a model and has much to show the world.” David Cadman, President of ICLEI International.

“I am so inspired by the vision and commitment and achievements of this remarkable team. Cape Town is setting a whole new standard for what is possible.” Charles McNeill, Senior Policy Advisor for UN REDD UNDP.

For those of you who cannot experience the Pavilion in person, click on the links below to take a virtual tour. There is a great tour of the interior and I could only see the roof of the stand in the exterior view. The exterior tour gives you a good idea of the Climate Change Response Expo.

INTERIOR: http://www.rchelicam.co.za/preview/CCR_Expo/Climate_Smart_CTN_Inside.html
EXTERIOR: http://www.rchelicam.co.za/preview/CCR_Expo/ClimateSmart_CTN_Outside.html

Organic lettuces are planted into 250 of the milk crates and given to visitors.

Climate Smart Cape Town stand at dusk with Sunfire solar cookers

The Pavilion generates its own electricity and is off the national grid. While the sun shines, solar panels
charge batteries, that in turn supply the exhibit with electricity via an inverter. When the wind blows, the wind
turbine powers the exhibit directly.

Inside the Pavilion are 22 large format posters containing text, graphics and photographs to highlight how the 28 Climate Smart Cape Town Coalition partners are finding ways to adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The Pavilion hosted a variety of events during the 12 days of COP17. These included 10-minute Pecha Kucha presentations, panel discussions, report launches and even a formal dinner for climate change funders.

Photos 1-5 and 10 courtesy of Dennis Guichard Photography.

A full programme of events was hosted by Climate Smart Cape Town today.

A panel discussion was held on Urban Agriculture and Climate Change (see photo to the right). The dialogue included opinions on the challenges faced by the urban agricultural sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. The panelists, Rama Naidu, Russell Galt, Stanley Visser, Vanessa Black, Paula Osborne, Dr Christoph Trusen and Dr Ilse Trautmann, discussed innovative models and sustainable solutions.

A Pecha Kucha on the Climate Smart Cape Town Campaign and the Cape Town Climate Change Coalition was given by Project Manager Stephen Granger. Cathy Alberts from Cape Town Tourism also gave a Pecha Kucha on Responsible Tourism in Cape Town.

Grace Stead from icologie and Stephen Lamb from Touching the Earth Lightly gave a presentation on the greening of COP.

We also hosted an informal vegetarian lunch with Greenpop. The organic vegetables were picked by members of the Greenpop team at a farm in Hillcrest. We cooked our meal using a SunFire parabolic solar cooker. This uses sunlight to create heat. See our picture below.

Events planned at the Climate Smart Cape Town Pavilion on Thursday 8 December are:

• 11h00: MyCiti bus system Pecha Kucha by Donald Cupido.
• 14h30: Local Governtment Perspectives in Adressing Climate Change Pecha Kucha by Helen Davies, Director: Environmental Sustainability, Climate Change and Biodiversity, Department of Environmental Affairs and Planning, Provincial Government Western Cape.
• 17h00: Launch of the report titled “Sustainable Mega-Events in Developing Countries: Experiences and Insights from South Africa, India and Brazil”. This report looks at how can Mega-Events, such as the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup™ in South Africa, the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India as well as the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, were used as catalysts for sustainable urban development. Based on three country case studies the authors analyze challenges and opportunities that come with such events. The facilitator will be Christian Huebner and speakers include Dr Werner Boehler, Frank Spengler, Mark Borchers, Shailly Kedia and Dr Christoph Trusen.

1. Water comes from the clouds, not from a tap. Water in precious.
2. We can grow plants in recycled containers.
3. When it comes to climate change, all people are equal people. We are all in this together.  Lets get together and do the right thing.

Watch this short video to hear Stephen’s message.

The Climate Smart Cape Town Pavilion won the best outdoor stand and the best overall stand at the COP17 Climate Change Response Expo. The stand has been designed and constructed by Cape Town sustainable development and green design practitioners, Touching the Earth Lightly, in collaboration with ST&AR Architects.

The short SABC news video clip highlights some key news from 5 December 2011.

The award winning Climate Smart Cape Town stand was transformed into a restaurant last night, as City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee (Mayco) member for Economic, Environmental & Spatial Planning: Alderman Belinda Walker hosted some of the top climate change funders from around the world. Alderman Walker appealed to invited guests to consider Cape Town as an investment opportunity to support climate change mitigation and adaption programmes.

Today’s events on the Climate Smart Cape Town (CSCT) Pavilion were:

A presentation on the experiment in temporary outdoor spaces by the CSCT Pavilion Project Manager, Stephen Lamb of Touching the Earth Lightly. Stephen and his team constructed the outdoor pavilion that is made entirely from recycled and re-usable materials so as to produce zero waste after dismantling. In addition, all construction materials were sourced within the tightest possible radius of the site to minimise the carbon footprint. There was also a presentation by Matthias Weber on solar electrical power for change.

There were two panel discussions. The first on Sea Level Rise and Coastal Protection and the potential impacts on human populations for example those living in coastal regions. The second was on Local Government Iniatives on Climate Change. The second session included discussions on how the Mexico City Pact, CarbonN Register, African Mayors Declaration on Climate Change and Resilient Cities among others are advancing climate change action in cities.

The Climate Smart Cape Town events planned for Wednesday 7 December are:

• 11h00: Responsible Tourism Pecha Kucha by Cathy Alberts from Cape Town Tourism.
• 12h00: The panel discussion titled “Urban Agriculture and Climate Change”. This will be facilited by Rama Naidu and include Russell Galt, Stanley Visser, Vanessa Black, Paula Osborne, Dr Christoph Trusen and Dr Ilse Trautmann. The urban agricultural sector in Sub-Saharan Africa faces immense challenges from growing population numbers and decreasing resources. The panelists discuss innovative models and sustainable solutions. This event will be held at the Local Government Pavilion Auditorium.
• 14h30: Climate Smart Cape Town Campaign and the Cape Town Climate Change Coalition Pecha Kucha by Stephen Granger.
• 17h00: Presentation by Grace Stead from icologie and Stephen Lamb from Touching the Earth Lightly on the greening of COP.