Professor Debra Roberts from Durban has been nominated as one of four climate change leaders to head up the International Panel on Climate Change. Here’s why this really matters!
Global (30 May 2023) — While the fight for the planet’s sustainability belongs to all of us, there are still leaders making the big decisions that impact today and tomorrow’s world. In incredible news for South Africa, Professor Debra Roberts might have a chance to lead some of the most important environmental decisions; a massive stride for women in global leadership and South African environmentalists.
Roberts was recently nominated to head up the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as one of four nominees from around the world.
If you’ve never heard of Prof Roberts before, you’re missing out! Not only was the powerhouse scientist listed as one of the most influential people in climate policy, she’s also earned the microphone as South Africa’s voice in global conversations to do with biodiversity and climate change.
Having an African perspective matters when it comes to global decision-making as the fight for the Global South’s representation continues across international organisations.
Not least, Prof Roberts is also a huge inspiration for female scientists, environmentalists and activists in a double-whammy of male-dominated fields: governance and science.
Earlier this year, she was awarded an honorary doctorate for law in celebration of her efforts by Rhodes University, which praised her efforts in establishing the Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department of eThekwini amongst a host of other achievements.
Dr Roberts also established the Durban Metropolitan Open Space System and has been a key influence for SA in numerous climate change round tables.
President Cyril Ramaphosa largely advocated for her leadership after endorsing her candidacy, sharing:
“If elected, Professor Roberts would be the first woman and first person from Africa to be an IPCC chair in the organization’s history.”
“What matters now is the IPCC Chair having the right experience for the task we face this decade. Right now, the task at hand is implementation,” Professor Roberts shared.
“It would be a privilege to use my experience at the interface of science, policy and practice to lead the IPCC through its vital Seventh Assessment Cycle.”
by 