CBAM is a carbon tax that the European Union plans to apply to imports of commodities like steel, cement, and electricity, which could significantly increase the costs of exporting these goods to the EU and harm developing economies. The Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa has expressed concerns that CBAM could be discriminatory and a trade barrier, hindering global cooperation in mitigating the effects of climate change. Ms. Nosiviwe MapisaNqakula highlighted the necessity for enhanced parliamentary oversight and urged other delegations at COP28 to support their respective governments’ efforts in mitigating the effects of climate change.
The year 2023 was full of surprises, from soaring temperatures to increasing humanitarian crises, unexpected population changes, and exciting sports victories. Over 114 million people were forced to leave their homes due to civil unrest and emergencies, while the Northern Hemisphere experienced its hottest summer ever recorded. South Africa celebrated a thrilling Rugby World Cup win, and India became the world’s most populated country, surpassing China. Fossil fuel consumption hit an alltime high, and Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” set a record by grossing a billion dollars the fastest in Warner Bros.’ history. Novak Djokovic won three more Grand Slam titles, and Facebook was fined a recordbreaking sum for illegally transmitting personal data.
South Africa is facing its worst fire season in a decade due to climate change and human activity. Fires are spreading beyond traditional areas and nearly 97% of regional fires are humancaused. While a damp winter may reduce the risk initially, global warming is expected to increase the frequency of conditions that support extreme wildfire behavior. Preventive measures include fuel reduction burns and constructing firebreaks, while individuals can create safe zones around their properties. This serves as a wakeup call for both the government and individuals to prioritize and invest in sustainable and adaptive strategies to minimize potential damages and safeguard our invaluable environment.
Cape Town has been recognized as the only African city with an Arating for climate action and transparency in 2023, making it a leading force in environmental responsibility in Africa. The Carbon Disclosure Project evaluates cities based on their yearly climate change response disclosures, and Cape Town has fulfilled a set of rigorous criteria to obtain its Agrade, including public disclosure of climaterelated actions, a citywide emissions inventory, and a climate action plan. The AList rating not only recognizes Cape Town’s environmental achievements but also boosts investor confidence and sets a standard for other African cities in global climate action.
South Africa has passed its firstever climate change legislation, aligning with international agreements and setting sectoral emission targets. The legislation requires every level of government to integrate their policies and strategies to address climate risks and establishes the Presidential Climate Commission to promote collaboration among stakeholders. The bill embodies the country’s ambition towards sustainable industrialization and inclusive collaboration, positioning itself as a frontrunner in the quest for a sustainable future.
Climate change is posing a massive threat to the survival of amphibians, with 40% of the species currently at risk of extinction. The sensitivity of their permeable skin to environmental changes makes them vulnerable, and the inability to adapt to unpredictable conditions makes them more prone to disease and survival difficulties. Immediate and proactive conservation efforts, along with habitat preservation strategies, are required to protect these essential members of our ecosystem and promote the health of our planet.
South Africa’s recent storm, which caused widespread damage and fatalities in the Western Cape, raises questions about the impact of climate change on severe weather events. Cutoff lowpressure systems, which can cause flooding and other severe weather, are a significant feature of South Africa’s climatic systems. While establishing a direct connection between a single weather event and climate change is challenging, climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events across Africa, making it crucial to prepare for their potential destruction.
Heritage Day Long Weekend Weather: A Detailed Account of South Africa’s Extreme Weather Patterns
South Africa’s Heritage Day long weekend was marked by severe flooding across the Western Cape, highlighting the critical issue of climate change and its impacts. The South African Weather Service issued a Yellow level two weather warning for scattered to isolated showers and thundershowers, with potential impacts including localized flooding and disruption of essential services. Despite the challenges, local communities have shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity, working tirelessly to restore stability and normalcy to the affected areas. The events underscore the urgent need to address climate change and build a more sustainable and resilient future.
The Greening of the Oceans: Implications for South Africa’s Ecosystems and Livelihoods
In recent years, the color of the Earth’s vast oceans has been gradually changing from striking blue to verdant green. This shift is a result of humaninduced climate change, with farreaching implications for the ocean’s health and essential resources such as fishing and oxygen production. South Africa, with its extensive coastline, is home to various marine environments, and this ecological turmoil poses challenges for marine life as they struggle to survive.
Smallscale farmers in the Cederberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa, have been relying on their fertile lands to grow crops and sustain their families for many years. However, the recent floods that swept through the area have left behind a trail of devastation. The local agricultural community is struggling to recover from the worst flooding in four decades.
Climate change is a pressing issue that affects communities worldwide. In response, the Mpungose community of Eshowe, located in Northern KwaZuluNatal, South Africa, has developed a groundbreaking Manifesto to address the detrimental effects of climate change on their daily lives.
Cape Town, in response to climate change and growing urbanization, has adopted a comprehensive plan to redevelop its coastlines, vleis, and urban spaces. The city has allocated a budget of over R1.2 billion to undertake various projects aimed at enhancing the city’s resilience, environmental sustainability, and socioeconomic development.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Ms. Barbara Creecy, delivered the 2023/2024 budget vote in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), highlighting various initiatives and programs aimed at addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. ### Waste Management Improvements
The global landscape is fastpaced and constantly changing, presenting humanity with both opportunities and challenges. At the International Meeting of Highlevel officials responsible for Security Matters, South Africa’s Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni shared her observations on international security matters. ### Climate Change and its Impact on Africa
South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, recognizes the essential role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in addressing the country’s most pressing issues. The STI Presidential Plenary Forum, established by the Minister, seeks to unite multiple sectors in implementing a science for social justice agenda.
Biodiversity and Climate Change: A Threat to Humanity Biodiversity loss and climate change are critical concerns that threaten the existence of humanity. Urgent action is required to safeguard ecosystems and the millions of species that rely on them.