OpenUCT :: Browsing by Subject "climate change"

Browsing by Subject "climate change"

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Open Access
A case study from the southern Cape linefishery 1: The difficulty of fishing in a changing world
(2017) Gammage, Louise C; Mather, Charles
Variability on multiple temporal and spatial scales exposes fishers and fishing communities to multiple stressors. The impact and interplay of these stressors need to be considered to improve our understanding of social-ecological linkages if sustainable livelihoods are to be promoted. To this end, participant-led research was conducted in the small-scale traditional commercial linefishery of the southern Cape (South Africa) between Witsand and Mossel Bay. Knowledge and perceptions regarding stressors responsible for changes in the social-ecological system, which ultimately affect the fishers’ ability to fish successfully, were recorded using semi-formal interviews and focus groups with 50 participants. The results presented not only offer valuable insights into the day-to-day experiences of these fishers, but also expose knowledge gaps that exist in micro-scale interactions influencing the fishery system. An analysis of various stressors is presented, which includes the impacts of and responses to climate variability; challenges presented by fisheries policies and regulatory frameworks; social and economic considerations; inadequate infrastructure; and general political considerations. The development of a more comprehensive understanding of stressors that affect the social-ecological system at various scales provides valuable insights into a fishery system that is currently not well described, and provides the basis for analyses into vulnerability and resilience.
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Aligning South African energy and climate change mitigation policy
(2009) Tyler, Emily
This paper considers the alignment of energy policy in South Africa with the Cabinet’s mitigation vision of a ‘peak, plateau and decline’ greenhouse gas emissions trajectory to 2050. First, the term ‘policy’ is defined as having a number of components, ranging from the broad ‘policy paradigm’ which guides the approach to policy development in a particular area, to statements and intentions, written documents and institutional orientation and capacity. Following from this definition it is argued that, at the level of written and stated energy policy, the intention exists to move towards a more diverse, efficient and less carbon-intensive energy sector. A number of policy instruments are being developed which go some way towards achieving this. However, the targets set are too low, and all initiatives are hampered for institutional and financing reasons. On the other hand, however, the dominant energy policy paradigm and the orientation and capacity of the country’s energy institutions are fundamentally misaligned with climate mitigation policy. In particular, conflicts between these institutions constrain policy co-ordination and hence alignment. The primary causes of misalignment are argued to be, firstly, existing and entrenched institutional orientation and capacity and, secondly, the lack of a single, overarching, co-ordinating energy policy institution which has sufficient power and influence to deal with the vested interests of the existing energy institutions. The paper then explores, by means of thought experiments in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency, what would be required to align energy policy with Cabinet’s mitigation vision. The establishment of a single, overarching, co-ordinating energy policy institution is identified as a pre-requisite to any chance of alignment. This institution would then establish and govern appropriately oriented institutional capacity, either by creating new institutions, or mandating existing institutions to deliver on low carbon initiatives. It is suggested that whilst new capacity would be optimal, it may be unrealistic to attain this level of sector transformation within the timeframes required by mitigation policy, given the strongly entrenched interests in maintaining the status quo. The paper concludes that intervention at the highest political level is required to enforce energy institutional co-ordination and achieve actualisation of emissions mitigation aligned energy policies.
Open Access
Barriers and enablers to the adoption of practices to improve crop production and reduce vulnerability to climate risks in the semi-arid Omusati Region,Namibia
(2018) Chappel, Angela; Spear, Dian
Namibia is almost entirely semi-arid or arid. With evaporation rates being higher than precipitation rates, farming conditions are extremely adverse. This is exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, namely increased temperature, decreased rainfall and higher rainfall variability, all of which are projected to worsen in the future. More than half of the population is reliant on rain-fed subsistence agriculture for their source of food but these challenging conditions mean that there is widespread food insecurity across the subsistence farming community in Namibia. This leads to a state of vulnerability and dependence on government support in the form of social grants, food aid and remittances from family members in urban areas. The locus for this study is three villages: Omaenene, Okathitukeengombe and Oshihau, in the north-central Omusati region of Namibia. This research investigated local perceptions of climate change vulnerability, farming practices used in other regions that could reduce this vulnerability and finally barriers and enablers to the uptake of new farming practices. These objectives were answered through the use of a systematic literature review and interviews with the local community. Findings revealed that the local population is already experiencing a hotter and drier climate, which has decreased their yield output. Many farmers are concerned about future climatic changes while some are comforted by support from the government or God. In both of these cases, the farmers are vulnerable because they are not currently adapting or planning to adapt to climate change. Although a majority of the farmers claimed that they are willing to try new farming practices, they are inhibited by: limited access to new information, mistrust of new farming practices as well as insufficient labour and resources. Three adaptive farming practices – planting pits, bunds and composting – aimed predominantly at water harvesting, soil conservation and increasing soil quality were selected by the researcher, from a systematic literature review, as appropriate for the village sites. Some of the social and institutional enablers that could be enhanced to promote the uptake of these practices are: i) support from local authorities and possibly enlisting the help of religious and traditional leaders (including building trust within these networks), ii) enhancing information access predominantly through the radio, iii) explaining the severity of climate change and the value of adaptation practices, iv) establishing self-help labour groups and v) the creation of demonstrations sites. In the face of irreversible climate change, this research aims to contribute to empowering local people to adapt their farming practices to the harmful experienced and predicted impacts of climate change and climate variability.
Open Access
Carbon capture and storage in South Africa
(World Resources Institute, 2005) Mwakasonda, Stanford; Winkler, Harald
Some three-quarters of South Africa’s primary energy supply and 93 percent of its electricity are derived from coal (NER, 2002; DME, 2003b). Even in more optimistic energy policy scenarios (De Villiers and others, 1999; EDRC, 2003; Banks & Schäffler, 2005), coal continues to provide for the majority of South Africa’s energy needs over the next 20 to 30 years. Almost 80 percent of GHG emissions come from the energy sector—both supply and use—and most of these are in the form of carbon dioxide (Van der Merwe & Scholes, 1998; RSA, 2004). Making South Africa’s energy system more sustainable is a transition that will take decades. Making energy development in South Africa more sustainable will require attention to solutions that deal with CO2 emissions from coal. Together, these factors mean that an evaluation of the sustainability of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies is an important element of climate policy.
Open Access
Celebrating the Kirstenbosch centenary
(2013) Huntley, Brian
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden celebrates its centenary in 2013. Established on 1 July 1913, it has developed into one of the world’s top ten botanical gardens.This course will highlight the history of the garden, its close links with Kew, the rich and varied flora of South Africa, the problems of endangered species, the contribution of research projects to climate change and other emerging environmental issues as well as our broadening knowledge of traditional plant use. For anyone interested in plants and the Kirstenbosch gardens.
Open Access
Characterising the role of climate change in perpetuating Zimbabwean farmers' health risks from exposure to endocrine disrupting pesticides
(2020) Zinyemba, Cliff; Rother, Hanna-Andrea; Archer, Emma
Climate change and endocrine disrupting chemicals are currently amongst key drivers for a range of non-communicable diseases and adverse human health conditions. Pesticides constitute an important source of endocrine disrupting chemicals. A growing public health concern is the potential relationship between climate change and adaptive increases in agricultural pesticide use. Effectively, with increases in pesticide use, there may be increased potential for elevated pesticide exposures and, thus, increased endocrine disrupting health risks. The aim of this thesis was to assess whether climate change is a key risk perpetuating factor for endocrine disrupting health risks due to increased agricultural pesticide uses and exposures. The study was conducted in Zimbabwe with farmers in the cotton farming district of Rushinga. Three research methods: 1) interviews with farmers, 2) quantitative structure-activity relationship modelling and, 3) stakeholder interviews with government cotton agronomists working in Rushinga district who acted as key informants. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 50 active smallholder farmers who had grown cotton for a minimum of 30 years. The interviews gathered farmers' perceptions and observations regarding climate change, changes in pest types, pest populations, pesticide use patterns, pesticide handling practices, and adaptive practices, amongst others. Quantitative structure-activity relationship modelling was, further, applied in identifying key risk pesticides of concern. Amitraz, endosulfan, fenvalerate and lambda-cyhalothrin were determined as having a high likelihood of acting as endocrine disruptors, as validated by literature highlighting the four pesticides' hormone-related cognitive, physiological and reproductive adverse health effects. Findings indicated that a number of farmers' adaptative practices were found to be incremental and, potentially, maladaptive, thereby enhancing pesticide use and exposure. This was indicative of climate change's potential for perpetuating pesticide-related endocrine disrupting health risks. Opportunities exist, however, for farmers to reduce pesticide use, and, thus, potential endocrine disrupting health risks through certain autonomous transformational adaptive practices, such as crop switching and cotton acreage reduction. Assistance to farmers by the government and development agencies, for enhancing opportunities for transformational adaptation is therefore recommended. Furthermore, there is need, at policy level, for phasing out pesticides with endocrine disrupting properties. There is, furthermore, a clear need for enhancing farmers' access to, and comprehension of, pesticide risk information through various innovative means, including research translation to reduce exposure risks.
Open Access
Cleaner energy cooler climate: developing sustainable energy solutions for South Africa
(2011) Winkler, Harald
For South Africa, finding a policy approach which balances the increasing demand for energy with the need for sustainability, equity and climate change mitigation is a particular challenge. Energy and climate change are issues of critical importance for shaping a sustainable future, both in South Africa and globally. This book provides an innovative and strategic approach to climate policy, with local development objectives as its starting point.
Open Access
Climate change adaptation and sustainable agricultural intensification in developing countries
(2020) Mulwa, Chalmers Kyalo; Visser, Martine
The recent threat of climate change has exacerbated the inherent risks in smallholder farming such as soil degradation, resulting in an unprecedented decline in agricultural yields in developing countries. This has threatened the livelihoods of large segments of populations that are heavily dependent on agriculture for survival in these regions. This dissertation focuses on identifying barriers and enablers of effective management of these risks, with an aim of coming up with potential policy interventions that can reduce vulnerability to the mentioned risks. To achieve this, the dissertation utilizes various methods and approaches as well as diverse datasets in two countries in sub Saharan Africa i.e. Namibia and Kenya. Diversification into non-farm activities is seen by many as a risk management strategy in rural areas where highly variable low farm incomes are transformed into stable high non-farm incomes, thus improving the welfare of the rural populations. While this theory of change is uncontested, the importance that the agricultural sector plays as a source of livelihood for rural populations, as well as food provisioning for urban populations, cannot be downplayed. This is more so given the limited non-farm opportunities in developing countries and the exponential population growth in these countries. The two factors combined impede on the envisioned transformation of rural production sectors and also create a sub-population of food insecure urban poor due to rural-urban migration. To mitigate these problems, rural agricultural development is still paramount and strategies that enhance resilience to risks in the sector are still vital. Chapter 2 of this dissertation focuses on this issue and addresses how farm diversification can be leveraged for improved food security in the rural areas, which has potential spill-over effects to other segments of the population. Focusing on northern Namibia, the study evaluates how different levels of diversification in both crop and livestock farming affect household food security outcomes i.e. per capita food expenditure and dietary diversity score. The study employs relatively new econometric methods in these type of studies to evaluate the joint determinants to both crop and livestock diversification, as well as their singular and joint effect on mentioned food security outcomes. The results show that high levels of diversification in either enterprise leads to high food security outcomes. Combined with climate change adaptation strategies that create resilience of agricultural production to climatic shocks, the use of sustainable agricultural intensification practices can further enhance productivity in the sector. Inputs like inorganic fertilizer, organic manure and improved seeds can further build on resilient systems to improve yields. Chapter 3 of this dissertation addresses this issue by looking at whether changes in the larger agri-food systems can be used to incentivize take up of such practices at the farm level. The study evaluates how the emergence of large traders in smallholder grain markets can drive the uptake of inorganic and organic fertilizer and improved seeds. The study thus expands the intervention space available to policy makers who have in the past resorted to potentially distortionary direct policies in the input markets e.g. through subsidy provision, as well as in the output markets e.g. through regulation of prices. To achieve this, the study uses a large panel dataset from Kenya spanning over a decade to evaluate how engagements between farmers and these market actors can be leveraged to drive adoption of these sustainable intensification inputs. Results show that engagements between large grain traders and farmers enhance use of inorganic fertilizer. There is no evidence that these engagements lead to enhanced use of improved seeds or manure. However, past use of improved seeds and manure are shown to affect their subsequent use, implying path dependency in the use of these sustainable inputs hence low dis-adoption rates. Traditional technology adoption studies show that access to information is a critical success factor for the uptake of new technology. Proxy variables for information access, for example proximity to extension services or frequency of extension contact, have consistently been shown to be positively correlated with technology adoption. In the context of climate change, access to weather information can be a critical factor to adoption of adaptation technology. Chapter 4 of this dissertation deals with this issue and assesses whether provision of weather information to farmers can enhance adoption of improved farming technologies that are resilient to climatic shocks. The study focuses on northern Namibia where access to such information, as the study shows, is very limited. A framed experiment approach is utilised to evaluate how climate change-induced uncertainty affects farmers' decision making in a farming season, based on their elicited behavioural attitudes towards risk and uncertainty. Further, the study tests whether providing weather information that reduces this uncertainty leads to adoption of technologies that are welfare improving. Lastly, the demand for weather information is assessed by eliciting the willingness to pay for information under various levels of weather uncertainty. Results indicate that high levels of uncertainty dampen uptake of welfare improving technologies, regardless of individual attitudes towards uncertainty. Availing of weather information leads to welfare improving technology choice, given the prevailing levels of weather uncertainty. There is also a high demand for weather information which is shown to increase with increase in the level of weather uncertainty. The chapters in the dissertation therefore identify key policy variables that can be used to manage vulnerability to risks emanating from climate change and unsustainable production in smallholder farming. Access to comprehensive climate information encompassing weather information and climate change-specific management information on both crop and livestock farming is shown to be a key factor in the uptake of adaptation strategies like use of resilient inputs and farm diversification. Interventions along the value chain like teaming up with large market actors in a private-public engagement is shown to be a potential pathway towards enhancing uptake of sustainable intensification inputs. Other policy variables like credit provision, high education and access to off-farm incomes are also key in explaining uptake of risk management strategies by smallholder farmers in Namibia and Kenya.
Open Access
Climate change and developing countries
(University of Cape Town, 2005) Winkler, Harald
This article takes stock of current knowledge of climate change and the response to this major problem affecting the environment and economic development. It begins with a brief review of climate change science and impacts as assessed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It then reports on the status of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol, and summarizes national commitments to making the effort required to mitigate climate change by limiting the emission of greenhouse gases. The main issues still to be addressed are identified, focusing in particular on carbon markets and adaptation funding. Future prospects are considered, including possible emissions targets for developing countries. The article thus focuses on the key issues of concern for developing countries.
Open Access
Climate change and health in the SADC region
(2010) Young, T; Tucker, T; Galloway, M; Manyike, P; Chapman, A; Myers, J
The draft review examines the link between climate change and health with special reference to the Southern African region (SADC countries). It attempts to set the scene for determining pertinent research priorities in the region to contribute to knowledge on the one hand, and for identification, implementation and evaluation of adaptation interventions that are likely to be appropriate and effective in the region. This review has been conducted by Strategic Evaluation, Advisory and Development Consulting (SEAD), a health consultancy together with the COEHR, and is part of the Regional Climate Change Programme (RCPP) led by One World Sustainable Investments. While this is currently a research work which outlines research and development objectives, it is envisaged that much of the material reviewed is also suitable for inclusion in teaching - particularly postgraduate teaching at University Masters level.
Open Access
Climate change briefings
(1999) Simmonds, G; Spalding-Fecher, R; Matibe, K
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Climate change mitigation negotiations, with an emphasis on options for developing countries
(2008) Winkler, Harald
Climate change is one of the greatest threats to our planet and its people. Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) is called mitigation. Responding to the impacts of climate change is called adaptation. A certain amount of adaptation will be necessary, no matter what we do. But, there will come a point where it will not be possible to adapt our way out of the problem. Mitigation has been at the heart of the climate negotiations from the outset. As the next round of negotiations focuses on what developing countries might do on mitigation, the topic remains highly relevant. The remainder of this introduction briefly sketches the history of the climate negotiations, ending with the most recent agreements in Bali. The paper then turns to the scientific basis of the work on mitigation. Section 3 introduces background concepts for proposals on mitigation, leading into the next section, which identifies not only different schools of thought but a number of specific proposals as well. The “hot” topic of how mitigation actions can be made ‘measurable, reportable and verifiable’ (MRV) is examined in section 5, before concluding with some questions for discussion. Information on the terminology used in this paper can be obtained from the glossary in Annex 4.
Open Access
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.
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A comparison of charcoal and stable carbon isotope results for the Caledon River Valley, southern Africa, for the period 13 500 - 5 000 yr BP
(South African Archaeological Society, 2003) Esterhuysen, A B; Smith, J M
The terminal Pleistocene to middle Holocene in the interior of southern Africa is characterized by a warming trend culminating in temperatures similar to or greater than those of today. However, as more refined palaeoenvironmental sequences are produced it becomes increasingly evident that pronounced temperature fluctuations occurred during this period Studies at two contemporaneous archaeological sites in the Caledon River Valley (29?13 'S; 27?28 'E and 29?28'5; 2 7?46 'E) have yielded a proxy climatic history for the period between 13 500 and 5000 yr BP Two independent palaeoenvironmental studies, a charcoal andfaunal stable carbon isotope analysis, were carried out at each site. A comparison of the results of these two analyses indicates that more than one temperature fluctuation occurred during the terminal Pleistocene to the middle Holocene. The record suggests warming to warm temperatures at ca. 12 600-13 000 yr BP (12 925 cal. yr BP), ca. 10 000 yr BP (41 134 cal. yr BP), ca. 8500-8000 yr BP (-9051 cal. yr BP), and ca. 6000-5970 yr BP (-7000 cal. yr BP), while cooler conditions prevailed at ca. 9000-8800 yr BP (10 004 cal. yr BP) and ca. 7300-7000 yr BP (-8000 cal. yr BP). These fluctuations are compared to those recorded elsewhere, in particular those that correspond to the ca. 7300-7000 yr BP event.
Open Access
Disability, Climate Change and Sustainable Development
(2016-11-03) Judith, McKenzie; Ziervogel, Gina; Mdlulwa, Ncediwe
The aim of this project is to develop an open education resource that explores the relationship between disability and development within the framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Climate Change. The Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) were heavily criticized by the disability sector as they did not have a focus on one of the most vulnerable groups in development, people with disabilities. This experience led to a heightened awareness of disability in development and an eagerness of the disability sector to participate more actively in the development of the sustainable development goals. This project aimed to bring together experts at UCT in climate change and sustainable development to inform disability practitioners from different sectors of the possible impacts of climate changes on people with disabilities so that there can be informed debate and advocacy with regard to disability inclusion within the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Open Access
Extinctions: Past and Present Week 5 - Landscape changes
(2017-03-17) Chinsamy-Turan, Anusuya; Hoffman, Timm
In this video, Professor Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan interviews Professor Timm Hoffman, a plant biologist, on the slopes of Table Mountain where he shows a visual example of landscape change due to human activity. He describes the a citizen science project he runs (RePhoto) which collects old photographs to track changing landscapes.
Open Access
Extinctions: Past and Present Week 5 - Threats to aquatic life
(2017-03-17) Chinsamy-Turan, Anusuya; Parker, Denham
In this video, Professor Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan interviews postdoctoral researcher Dr Denham Parker who studies fisheries science about human impacts on aquatic biodiversity. He explains how modern climate change causes two direct problems for the marine environment and how a lack of knowledge means many are not aware of what impacts humans have.
Open Access
Financial protocol for South Africa's climate change mitigation assessment
(1999/09/00) Clark, Alix; Spalding-Fecher, Randall
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Fisheries management under climate and environmental uncertainty: control rules and performance simulation
(Oxford University Press, 2014) Punt, Andre´ E; A’mar, Teresa; Bond, Nicholas A; Butterworth, Doug S; de Moor, Carryn L; De Oliveira, Jose´ A A; Haltuch, Melissa A; Hollowed, Anne B; Szuwalski, Cody
The ability of management strategies to achieve the fishery management goals are impacted by environmental variation and, therefore, also by global climate change. Management strategies can be modified to use environmental data using the “dynamic B0” concept, and changing the set of years used to define biomass reference points. Two approaches have been developed to apply management strategy evaluation to evaluate the impact of environmental variation on the performance of management strategies. The “mechanistic approach” estimates the relationship between the environment and elements of the population dynamics of the fished species and makes predictions for population trends using the outputs from global climate models. In contrast, the “empirical approach” examines possible broad scenarios without explicitly identifying mechanisms. Many reviewed studies have found that modifying management strategies to include environmental factors does not improve the ability to achieve management goals much, if at all, and only if the manner in which these factors drive the system is well known. As such, until the skill of stock projection models improves, it seems more appropriate to consider the implications of plausible broad forecasts related to how biological parameters may change in the future as a way to assess the robustness of management strategies, rather than attempting specific predictions per se.
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Framework for adaptation to climate change for the City of Cape Town - FAC4T (City of Cape Town)
(2006-08) Mukheibir, Pierre; Ziervogel, Gina
The 20th century has seen the greatest warning in the past thousand years due to anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 2001b). Climate models now predict that the atmosphere's temperature will increase by 1.4ºC to 5.8ºC by 2100. Climate change will continue to occur even if the global greenhouse gas emissions are curtailed significantly in the short- to medium term. Therefore, while controlling emissions is vital, this should be combined with efforts to minimise the effects of climate change. This is commonly called adaptation, and is generally defined as an adjustment in bio-physical, social and/or economic systems in response to an actual or expected climatic impact and its effect. The effect of climate change increases the likelihood of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods and heat waves. The Northern and Western Cape provinces are projected as the two South African provinces most at risk of climate-induced warming and rainfall change. This makes the City of Cape Town's resource management more challenging.

Browsing by Subject "climate change"

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