Browsing by Author "Sparks, D"

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    Climate change mitigation: A training manual
    (University of Cape Town, 2005) Nkomo, J C; Winkler, H; Mwakasonda, S; Mukheibir, P; Sparks, D
    The Energy Research Centre (ERC) has developed a training manual on climate change mitigation courses. The manual covers the following modules: Greenhouse gas inventories (GHGI), Mitigation (MIT), and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). These modules have been developed in response to the need for capacity building initiatives that are country driven and regionally focused, address specific needs and conditions of the country, and involve stakeholders. In doing so, the overall aim is to assist non-Annex 1 countries to participate effectively in the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol, and to ensure the sustainability of these programmes. There are two important points to note. Firstly, the training manual is tailored to the specific needs and contexts of those being targeted, but with sufficient flexibility to avoid a ‘one-size-fitsall’ training programme. Secondly, although the manual is prepared in South Africa, it is designed in a flexible form and can be modified by using case studies and exercises relevant to the country teams with diverse backgrounds.
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    Climate variability, climate change and water resource strategies for small municipalities
    (2005) Mukheibir, P; Sparks, D
    In many parts of the world, variability in climatic conditions is already resulting in wide ranging impacts, especially on water resources and agriculture. Climate variability is already being observed to be increasing, although there remain uncertainties about the link to climate change. However, the link to water management problems is obvious. Water is a limiting resource for development in South Africa and a change in water supply could have major implications in most sectors of the economy, especially in the agriculture sector. Factors that contribute to vulnerability in water systems in southern Africa include seasonal and inter-annual variations in rainfall, which are amplified by high run-off production and evaporation rates. Current modelling scenarios suggest that there will be significant climate change1 impacts in South Africa (Hewitson et al. 2005). Climate change is expected to alter the present hydrological resources in southern Africa and add pressure on the adaptability of future water resources (Schulze & Perks 2000). During the past 20 years, most of Africa has experienced extensive droughts, the last three being 1986-88, 1991-92 and 1997-98 (after Chenje & Johnson 1996). If the occurrence of drought became more frequent, the impact on water resources and consequently agriculture would be significant.