First biennial report to Cabinet on the State of Climate Change Science and Technology in South Africa

"The first report, The State of Climate Change Science and Technology in South Africa undertaken by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) on behalf of the DST, has been completed and endorsed by Cabinet. The second report is due in March 2019. The report assesses the climate change science and technology landscape and highlights the key challenges and impacts in South Africa over the next 30 years. While the country is set to face challenges brought about by climate change, our science research community, which is focusing on this global threat, is productive, well respected and growing.

The report affirms that over the next 30 years the western parts of South Africa are expected to be hotter and drier than the rest of the country. More extreme weather, droughts and floods can be expected. The country will also face increased pressure to move the energy mix away from its current high dependence on fossil fuels, especially coal."