Speaker
Description
The Climate Change Act No. 22 of 2024 mandates the development of climate change adaptation scenarios based on the best available scientific evidence, systematic climate observations, and effective early warning systems. These scenarios are intended to support informed decision-making and strengthen South Africa’s capacity to respond to the impacts of climate change.
As South Africa’s National Hydrological and Meteorological Service, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) is leading the development of these adaptation scenarios. They provide a robust scientific foundation for assessing climate-related risks and vulnerabilities, identifying adaptation priorities, and enhancing resilience and adaptive capacity across the country. The scenarios support climate-resilient development by informing adaptation planning in key sectors such as water resources, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, biodiversity, and disaster risk management. By examining potential future climate conditions and their associated impacts, the scenarios help stakeholders anticipate risks and identify appropriate adaptation responses. To strengthen South Africa’s adaptation planning framework, SAWS has developed five new adaptation scenarios that offer strategic insights to support coordinated action and build long-term resilience to climate change.
