South Africans urged to prepare for impact of climate change
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has warned of increased temperatures and extreme heat events throughout the summer season.
Most parts of the country have been experiencing heatwaves as a result of changes in temperatures, with intermittent breaks and rainfall across some areas of South Africa.
“Although we are expecting some rainfall in the next few days in the eastern and northern parts of the country, climate change is here,” says CSIR meteorologist Dr Johan Malherbe.
The number of hot days in South Africa is projected to increase, which means farmers and society must prepare for the “lifestyle modifications” that climate change will demand, he adds.
The highest temperature increases occurred in the northern parts of the country, with temperatures going beyond 40 ºC.
“This is typically the time of year during which we see these types of heatwaves. Our future climate projections also indicate that these increases in temperature will continue, and can have a huge impact on the occurrence of fires, for example,” Malherbe warns.
With South Africa traditionally experiencing either “just enough or too little” rainfall, an increase in temperatures without an increase in rainfall will worsen the impact of the conditions.
“We need to come up with alternative ways of adapting to climate change.”
CSIR environmental health scientist Juanette John says the effect of climate change is felt differently in different areas and by different individuals, as it is not only based on their exposure, but also on a variety of other factors.
“The impact and effect of climate change are dependent on where people live, the type of work they do and their age, among other factors.”
The potential health impacts may result from direct exposure to an increase in temperatures and extreme weather events or from indirect exposure, such as changes in air quality, and through impacts on agriculture.
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