, GGH2601 Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026 - DUE 31 March 2026
Question 1
MITIGATION STRATEGIES TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS IN
SOUTH AFRICA
Introduction
South Africa is increasingly confronted with the harsh realities of
climate change, manifested through prolonged droughts, severe
flooding, heatwaves, and water scarcity. In recent years, events such as
the Western Cape drought crisis and the devastating floods in KwaZulu-
Natal have demonstrated the country’s vulnerability to extreme
weather patterns. These climate-related disasters have negatively
impacted economic development, destroyed infrastructure, disrupted
agricultural production, and exacerbated social inequality. Climate
change is therefore not only an environmental issue but also a
developmental crisis that threatens economic stability, food security,
and social cohesion.
At the same time, South Africa remains one of the most carbon-
intensive economies in Africa, largely due to its heavy reliance on coal
for electricity generation. This places the country in a complex position:
it is both a contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions and a victim
of climate-induced environmental stress. As convenor of a presidential
task team, it is essential to design mitigation strategies that are
realistic, socially inclusive, and economically sustainable. These
strategies must reduce emissions while safeguarding jobs, protecting
vulnerable communities, and ensuring long-term resilience. A
comprehensive approach should therefore prioritise energy transition,
climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable land management, water
security, transport reform, and institutional strengthening.
Question 1
MITIGATION STRATEGIES TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS IN
SOUTH AFRICA
Introduction
South Africa is increasingly confronted with the harsh realities of
climate change, manifested through prolonged droughts, severe
flooding, heatwaves, and water scarcity. In recent years, events such as
the Western Cape drought crisis and the devastating floods in KwaZulu-
Natal have demonstrated the country’s vulnerability to extreme
weather patterns. These climate-related disasters have negatively
impacted economic development, destroyed infrastructure, disrupted
agricultural production, and exacerbated social inequality. Climate
change is therefore not only an environmental issue but also a
developmental crisis that threatens economic stability, food security,
and social cohesion.
At the same time, South Africa remains one of the most carbon-
intensive economies in Africa, largely due to its heavy reliance on coal
for electricity generation. This places the country in a complex position:
it is both a contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions and a victim
of climate-induced environmental stress. As convenor of a presidential
task team, it is essential to design mitigation strategies that are
realistic, socially inclusive, and economically sustainable. These
strategies must reduce emissions while safeguarding jobs, protecting
vulnerable communities, and ensuring long-term resilience. A
comprehensive approach should therefore prioritise energy transition,
climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable land management, water
security, transport reform, and institutional strengthening.
