CAPE TOWN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- South Africa marked World Environment Day on Friday with a call for urgent and collective action to address climate change.

In a statement, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment called on all South Africans to join the global observance under the theme "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future."

The department said that climate change is increasingly affecting lives and livelihoods around the world through rising temperatures, floods, droughts, heatwaves, wildfires and rising sea levels.

In South Africa, recent flooding and severe weather events have affected several provinces across the country, causing loss of life, damage to homes and infrastructure, and disruptions to local economies.

As climate-related disasters become more frequent and intense, government efforts must place greater emphasis on prevention, preparedness, adaptation and resilience-building at the local level, where the impacts are most directly felt, the department said.

"Businesses must accelerate cleaner and more sustainable practices. Communities must protect local ecosystems and reduce environmental harm. Civil society, youth, women, traditional leaders and local institutions must continue to lead practical action where they live and work," it said.

South Africa's climate commitments are reflected in its revised Nationally Determined Contributions submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in October 2025, as well as the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan scheduled for submission to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in October 2026.

The department reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships that protect people, nature and the economy, while calling on all South Africans to play a role in building climate-resilient communities and a more sustainable future. ■