Climate Change in South Africa

What is Climate Change?

“a change in global or regional climate patterns, in particular a change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.”
-Oxford Dictionary

From the early 90’s the world has seen an increase in population and infrastructure. Heavy machinery, mass production and polution have played a massive role in climate change. In South Africa the lack of education around the topic and not understanding the severity of the situation has led to daily littering, overconsumption and the support of environmentally dangerous businesses.

Common Issues Faced in South Africa due to Climate Change

View the full factsheet here

Heat Stress & Extreme Weather

Vector-Borne Disease

Food Insecurity and Malnutrition

Air, Land & Water Pollution

Mental & Physical Health Issues

Short Film: Take the first step

Take the first step against Climate Change

It really does start with us, individuals within the community. There is no better start than a change that begins with us personally. Adults must instill values into the youth through actionable examples.

Starting small with little herb gardens is a great idea but also following suit with things like, nomore food wastage, re-using and recycling as well as supporting local businesses that have climate change measures in place.

Pollution

Over the past 10 years many regions within South Africa have succumb to air, water and land pollution. This can be attributed to land waste, littering, illegal dumping, illegal mining, corruption in identifying and carrying out sentences for laws against pollution, over consumption of fast foods and cheap import goods etc.

The result of pollution has caused a major clean drinking water crisis, decrease in property value due to land pollution and health risks to both humans on land, creatures and sea life.

Deforestation

South Africa and neighboring countries are home to many wildlife and beautiful forests. These vast lands are threatened daily by deforestation by many commercial companies and housing settlements.

The impact of this has resulted in wildlife extinction crisis, food insecurity and extreme weather events. Now more than ever Africa as a whole is bearing the harsh reality of Heat Stress due to climate change. It is recorded that South Africa’s overall temperature continues to increase through the years.

Socio Economic Challenges

Production of goods and services have increased drasticallay over the past few years in African Regions. Local farmers are being outshone by mass producers and commercial competitors. The weather has weighed heavy on small scale farmers who cannot afford to run modern farming machinery in their simple farming methods.

Over population and lack of jobs has resulted in day to day difficulties such as no access to clean running water, food insecurity and malnutrition, mental and physical stress.

Chances of Redemption and Change for South Africa.

“I believe that children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside.”
– Whitney Houston

Education

Provide children and adults with education around the subject of climate change.

Showcase and educate the community on methods of change in society such as: community clean ups, conservation and environmental safety living.

Empowerment

Empower the youth to build better societies for the short term future.

Empower local entrepreneurs who run businesses that are environmentally safe.

Motivation

Song, fun activities and a positive plan ahead can help in gearing up the nation for change.

Community outreach and champions for the climate change issue can help carry the message, educate a nation and invoke a mindset change.

Change in Habits

Showcase the benefits of change. Showcase simple methods of change such as water conservation, local produce purchases, electrical conservation, reduce – re use and recycle etc.

A Simple Veggie Garden

“Planting for the Future” starts with educating the youth on simple planting and how it can benefit their individual lives as well as their surroundings. Local schools should be encouraged and awarded for implementing change and education through school veggie gardens. These gardens can be used for simple kiddies lunches and as a means of instilling good values in children. Empowering kids to have responsibility for their own garden patches allows kids to learn the importance of ownership as well as understanding the environment they reside in.

Some notable mentions in South African Communities:

Click on the links below to read fantastic stories of locals making a difference.

Kids of the Future : Climate Action Heroes

Climate change is happening now and we have a responsibility to our young generation. Children around the world will be impacted by climate change but children in developing countries will be worst affected. Our school campaigns help raise awareness, inform and educate young children about climate change so that they can grow up to be leaders in their industry who can make smart climate decisions to safeguard and protect our environment and humanity.

We have created a 5 lesson plan to roll out in schools and homes for the purpose of educating and empowering children to take action against climate change.