Whether we like it or not, climate change is a reality. And according to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), South Africa is one of the countries that will be most adversely affected by climate change in the years to come. The World Bank has also warned that unless urgent action is taken to address climate change, rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns could push an additional 34 million people into poverty by 2030.
Climate change is a reality
When it comes to climate change, South Africa is vulnerable. The country is already coping with the effects of droughts, floods, and heat waves, which are expected to become more frequent and intense as the planet warms. Apart from the obvious impact on human health and well-being, climate change is also likely to hit South Africa’s economy hard. Agriculture, for example, is expected to suffer because of increased temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns. Such impacts could lead to higher food prices and even food shortages in some parts of the country.
It is estimated that by the year 2050, the average temperature in South Africa will have risen by between 1. 5 and 2. 5 degrees Celsius because of climate change. This may not seem like much, but it will cause big changes in our weather patterns and ecosystems. Water availability will decrease as our winters get shorter and hotter, causing drought conditions more often. rainfall is expected to become more variable and intense – which means we could see both flash flooding AND water shortages in-between downpours!
Climate change is affecting South Africa’s habitat
Animals have a natural habitat, a place where they can thrive and assimilate. South Africa has an abundance of safaris, jungles, and lakes and these are the natural habitats of many wild animals. Unfortunately, the bioclimatic envelope is under threat due to heat waves and climate change and it spells doom for these animals.
