In a few decades, the relationship between the environment, resources and conflict may seem almost as obvious as the connection we see today between human rights, democracy and peace.
Wangari Maathai
Climate change is here. After the recent flooding here in our own KwaZulu-Natal, it is clear (again) that consequences of climate change have gotten here faster that even our brightest thinkers like Wangari Maathai forecasted. Now that we have buried the dead, taken stock of the considerable financial and human cost, it should be time for introspection. Surely this unfortunate event will inject a new sense of urgency in the necessary work that now follows – rebuilding and adjusting to our new climate reality. Surely.
We are reading
Each IPCC report tends to be more pessimistic each year. Rightly so. It has also become bolder when calling out the apparent and intensifying consequences of climate change, especially in emerging economies. The 2022 report is no exception (IPCC). The Institute for Security Studies, a South African think tank, localises the issue of climate change from the lens of governance and the recent flooding here and here. (ISS Africa)
As South Africa grapples with the aftermath of the devastation left by severe floods, many people have questions about the resilience of the country’s infrastucture. We went back to this article on how local municipalities already have existing legal tools to protect and maintain the country’s urban ecosystems at their disposal. (The Conversation)
These are eight places we can still save from climate change. (GQ)
Conophytum caroli, a species of rare succulent that grows only in a few locations in southern Africa, is under siege. It is now at risk of extinction due to poaching driven by increasing consumer demand in Asia. (National Geographic)
This carbon calculator helps you estimate your environmental footprint. Some experts have expressed reservations about the accuracy of these online tools. However, what we like about them is that they raise much-needed awareness about how our every day actions add up to universal climate change. (WWF)
The 2022 World Food Prize winner, Cynthia Rosenzweig, talks about her life’s work here. She tells NPR that “her work means she’s on farms around the world, engaging with stakeholders to determine how crops are already affected by the climate crisis and what can be done about it.” (NPR – Goats and Soda)
Chapter 4 of the Foresight Africa 2022 report considers lessons from COP 26. Most importantly, the authors make specific recommendations that African policy-makers and leaders should reflect on as the world prepares for COP27 aka Africa’s COP. (Brookings)
COP27—the “Africa COP”—is a unique opportunity to accelerate progress in climate action and mobilize the partnerships needed for Africa’s rapid, inclusive, green, and resilient development. However, Africa’s policymakers should not be passive recipients of what “others” can do for Africa in COP27. Africans should be well prepared and organized. They should have a unified, active, and consistent voice about the dire consequences of climate change for the continent and the urgency to take action.
We are listening to
This short PASHA podcast outlines some climate change concerns across the African region. It also considers the best way forward. (The Conversation).
This podcast featuring Dr. Cynthia Rosenzweig, who describes herself as a climate change impact agricultural anthropologist. Her research group answers the “so what” question – how will climate change impact on agriculture and food security? Interestingly, she believes that biggest gap in this space is in establishing the links between climate change and the healthfulness of food systems outcomes. That’s where the most transformational breakthroughs are likely to come from in the next 10 years. Hear hear!
