The Department of Environmental Affairs says it has initiated a number of projects aimed at fostering climate change adaptation and reducing the risk and vulnerability of South Africans.

Addressing the Adaption Futures Conference in Cape Town on Tuesday Tlou Ramaru, Environmental Affairs Acting Deputy Director General: Climate Change and Air Quality highlighted some of the department’s initiatives.

One of the most notable projects currently yielding results for the department according to Ramaru focuses on building resilience in the Greater uMngeni Catchment in KwaZulu-Natal.

The project produces early warning systems in support of local communities and small-scale farmers to inform them about climate-proof settlements (built and ecological infrastructure), settlement planning and climate resilient agriculture.

Long Term Adaptation Scenarios Flagship Research Programme

Another project that the department is involved with is the development of the Long Term Adaptation Scenarios Flagship Research Programme (LTAS). The LTAS is aimed at responding to the South African National Climate Change Response White Paper by developing national and sub-national adaptation scenarios for South Africa under plausible future climate conditions and development pathways.

“This is a complex research work required for the projection of climate change impacts for key sectors, and an evaluation of their socio-economic implications in the context of the development aspirations of these sectors,” Ramaru explained.

National Framework on Climate Services

South Africa has also developed the National Framework on Climate Services to enable better management of the risks of climate variability and change at all levels. The framework incorporates science-based climate information and prediction services into planning, policy and practice.

“The nature of the National Framework on Climate Services requires an interface with different stakeholders within the various levels of government, and outside government.

“Therefore, successful implementation of the National Framework on Climate Services requires a well-coordinated structure with good governance to enhance the country’s capability to provide integrated climate services to all relevant users in a manner that empowers them to be climate resilient,” Ramaru noted.