The problem of climate change is no longer something that is distant and far away in South Africa but something that is happening daily. Recent data on global climate proves that the last ten years were the hottest in history as global average temperature increased by 1.4 C. This is a worrying development that puts the globe at a very high risk of breaching the 1.5C threshold agreed upon in the Paris Agreement. There are also experts who caution that the problem of climate change in South Africa is escalating extreme weather disturbances that are ruining livelihoods, ecosystems, and water security. But the devastating floods to extended droughts, it is evident that it is already costing the nation the price of global warming and lack of timely climate response.
Rising Temperatures and Real-World Impacts
Global wildlife fund (WWF) notes that climate change in South Africa has been experienced in the recent floods in Limpopo and Mpumalanga and chronic water shortages in the Garden Route. Senior manager of WWF, James Reeler warns that these occurrences are just but a preview of a situation that is even tougher. Unless there is a check on the consumption of fossil fuel, climate change in South Africa will result in increased vagaries in rainfall patterns, heatwaves, and economy. Immediate mitigation and adaptation efforts are required to cut down the emissions and equip the communities to face a more unpredictable climate in the future.
