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Assessment of localized seasonal precipitation variability in the upper middle catchment of the Olifants River basin

- Nkhonjera, German K., Dinka, Megersa O., Woyessa, Yali E.

  • Authors: Nkhonjera, German K. , Dinka, Megersa O. , Woyessa, Yali E.
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Africa , Climate change , Olifants River basin
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/476395 , uj:43010 , Citation: Nkhonjera, G.K., Dinka, M.O. & Woyessa, Y.E. 2021. Assessment of localized seasonal precipitation variability in the upper middle catchment of the Olifants River basin.
  • Description: Abstract: This study used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model together with regional climate downscaled (RCD) data from the CORDEX (Africa project), to assess the local seasonal precipitation variability in the upper middle catchment (UMC) of the Olifants River basin. The study results, based on two scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5), showed a wider monthly and seasonal variability of precipitation. The study also indicated a strong decreasing trend of east-to-west direction of spatial precipitation, with most precipitation concentrated in the eastern part of the study area. Within the western part of the UMC, we also noted another decreasing trend of precipitation from south-tonorth with northern areas of the study area receiving the least amount of precipitation. This study has also revealed a considerable general reduction of future seasonal precipitation especially in the mid-term period (2021–2050). The general reduction in future seasonal precipitation, combined with the increasing temperatures in the area, may exacerbate the drought conditions and reduction in streamflow of the main river (Olifants) and its tributaries, consequently having a negative impact on the economic activities in the basin.
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Cascading impacts of climate change and the rights of children in Africa : a reflection on the principle of intergenerational equity

- Fambasayi, Rongedzayi, Addaney, Michael

Climate change and human security in Sub-Saharan Africa.

- Chilunjika, A., Gumede, N

Coastal tourism and climate change : risk perceptions of tourism stakeholders in South Africa’s garden route

- Pandy, Wayde R., Rogerson, Christian M.

  • Authors: Pandy, Wayde R. , Rogerson, Christian M.
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Coastal tourism , Climate change , Risk perception
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/483445 , uj:43876 , Citation: Pandy, W.R. & Rogerson, C.M. 2021. Coastal tourism and climate change : risk perceptions of tourism stakeholders in South Africa’s garden route.
  • Description: Abstract: Coastal tourism destinations are highly vulnerable to the ramifications of climate change. Research conducted in South Africa has identified the potential losses associated with climate change on beach or coastal environments as one of the largest concerns for the tourism industry. In addressing the challenge of climate change a critical research issue is advancing our understanding of the risk perceptions of tourism stakeholders. The aim is to investigate risk perceptions of business stakeholders towards climate change impacts in one of South Africa’s leading coastal destinations, the Garden Route District Municipality in Western Cape province. The results are analysed from 30 qualitative interviews conducted with tourism business owners and managers. Four core themes were scrutinised, namely awareness of climate change, perceptions of the potential climate change risks, the prioritisation of climate change as compared to other business risks, and greening and adaptive measures pursued by businesses. Overall, climate change is not considered as a major issue for tourism businesses in the Garden Route especially as compared to the immediate or pressing challenges relating to marketing, infrastructural deficits, government regulations and local human resource development for tourism. This conclusion raises significant concerns for the resilience of coastal tourism destinations and local economic development futures in South Africa.
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Drivers of change and conservation needs for vertebrates in drylands : an assessment from global scale to Sahara-Sahel wetlands

- Brito, G.J.C., Del Barrio, G., Stellmes, M., Pleguezuelos, J.M., Saarinen, J.

  • Authors: Brito, G.J.C. , Del Barrio, G. , Stellmes, M. , Pleguezuelos, J.M. , Saarinen, J.
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Biodiversity threats , Climate change , Conservation actions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Journal article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/490332 , uj:44738 , Citation: Brito, J.C., Del Barrio, G., Stellmes, M., Pleguezuelos, J.M. and Saarinen, J., 2021. Drivers of change and conservation needs for vertebrates in drylands: an assessment from global scale to Sahara-Sahel wetlands. The European Zoological Journal, 88(1), pp.1103-1129. , DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/24750263.2021.1991496
  • Description: Abstract: Drylands range across more than half of the global terrestrial area and harbour about a quarter of continental vertebrate species, many of them endemic. However, this fauna is being increasingly threatened, in particular the one that inhabits deserts, one of the last biomes on earth. This work tracks the most relevant global change drivers acting on drylands, especially in deserts and arid regions, the conservation actions being developed, and the research needs for vertebrate conservation, following IUCN standardised classification schemes. Using the Sahara-Sahel wetlands as case study, it is provided a detailed examination of these aspects to support regional biodiversity conservation and human welfare. Deserts and arid regions are threatened by the synergistic effects of increasing development of urban areas, agriculture, energy production, mining, transportation and service corridors, resulting in pollution, invasive species, human intrusions and disturbance, biological resource overuse and in general, natural system modifications. In addition, climate change together with social underdevelopment of many desert-range countries places the mitigation of threat factors in a large and complex web of global-local societal challenges. Conservation actions targeting land/ water and species protection and management, as well as education, awareness, capacity building, and legislation measures to increase livelihood development, are being developed. Additional research efforts are need to enhance biodiversity conservation planning, monitoring biodiversity and land-degradation status (based on Essential Biodiversity Variables), and quantification of socioeconomic factors associated with sustainable use of natural resources and human development. Sahara-Sahel wetlands are important life-support systems for both humans and vertebrates, the last vulnerable to listed global threats. They offer framework scenario to revert current environmental and societal challenges in deserts. Long-term conservation of desert vertebrate biodiversity requires appropriate policy instruments to promote sustainable use of natural resources. Raising environmental alertness within local communities of uniqueness of desert biodiversity is needed to promote policy change.
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Drivers of renewable energy adoption in the built environment : a case of South Africa

- Oguntona, O. A., Aigbavboa, C. O., Monnanyana, T., Thwala, W. D.

Impact of climate change on food security and water supply in South Africa: reports from local authorities

- Enwereji, PC

Indigenous practices of ecosystem management in a changing climate: Prospects for ecosystem-based adaptation

- Chanza, Nelson, Musakwa, Walter

‘After glaciers?’ Towards post-Arctic tourism

- Varnajot, Alix, Saarinen, Jarkko

A study protocol to determine heat-related health impacts among primary chsoolchildren in South Africa

- Bidassey-Manilal, Shalin, Wright, Caradee Yael, Kapwata, Thandi, Shirinde, Joyce

  • Authors: Bidassey-Manilal, Shalin , Wright, Caradee Yael , Kapwata, Thandi , Shirinde, Joyce
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Climate change , High temperatures , Primary schoolchildren
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/436421 , uj:37857 , Bidassey-Manilal, S., Wright, C.Y., Kapwata, T., Shirinde, J. 2020: A study protocol to determine heat-related health impacts among primary chsoolchildren in South Africa.
  • Description: Abstract: , Climate models predict that the global average temperature of Earth will rise in the future. Studies show that high classroom temperatures can affect the ability of the student to learn and function. It is important to understand the impact that heat will have on the health, wellbeing, and academic performance of learners, as they spend a significant amount of time in classrooms compared to any other environment. A follow-up panel study among 20 public primary schools in the Gauteng province (South Africa) will be carried out, in which Grade 4 learners will be selected to complete an hourly heat-health symptom questionnaire. A Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) test will be used to determine their memory and attention span. A nursing practitioner will measure body weight, height, and temperature. Lascar data loggers will beusedtomeasureindoorclassroomtemperature. Schoolprincipalswillcompleteaquestionnaireon existing school coping mechanisms and policies in place that help deal with hot weather conditions. This is the first study to quantitatively assess the effects of heat on learners’ health, well-being and school performance in South Africa. The outcomes of this study will enable policymakers and public officials to develop appropriate school heat adaptation and mitigation measures and will assist in channeling their resources where it is most needed.
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Implications of global CO2 emissions on natural carbonation and service 1 lifespan of concrete infrastructures – reliability analysis

- Ekolu, S.O.

  • Authors: Ekolu, S.O.
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Climate change , Concrete infrastructures , Service lifespan
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/458143 , uj:40682 , Ekolu, S.O.: Implications of global CO2 emissions on natural carbonation and service 1 lifespan of concrete infrastructures – reliability analysis.
  • Description: Abstract: The rise in atmospheric [CO2] globally has consequences on economic infrastructures of concrete such as buildings, bridges, silos, amongst others. The present study employed a natural carbonation prediction (NCP) model to analyse carbonation progression and the service lifespans of concrete infrastructures, based on the forecasted global [CO2] levels for years up to A.D. 2100 (IPCC, 2013). The environmental factors considered comprise the inland and coastal subtropical climate conditions focusing on the South African cities of Johannesburg and Durban, respectively. In most developing countries, concretes of relatively low strengths are widely used in structural constructions. It was found that the carbonation depths for concrete infrastructures located in Johannesburg are consistently 1.5 times higher than those for the structures in Durban. For normal strength concretes, carbonation depths increase by up to 31% while service lifespans correspondingly reduce by up to 24%, owing to the rise in [CO2] levels between the years A.D. 2000 and A.D. 2100. Future use of higher strength concretes ≥ 40 MPa appears to be necessary for these adverse effects to be avoided. Unfortunately, this counter measure is paradoxical, as it promotes CO2 emissions due to employment of higher clinker contents in concretes, while attempting to hinder carbonation progression. For existing infrastructures, the resulting shorter lifespans imply an earlier onset of corrosion problems, which in turn imposes higher repair and rehabilitation costs. In order for future infrastructures to achieve the same service lifespans presently attained, it would be necessary to specify higher concrete strength grades and larger cover depths, relative to those presently recommended in the design guidelines. Ultimately, the unit costs for new concrete constructions would increase, as a result.
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Political ecology and differential vulnerabilities to droughts among livestock farmers in South Africa : a case study of Mpakeni community

- Ebhuoma, Eromose, Donkor, Felix, Ebhuoma, Osadolor O.

  • Authors: Ebhuoma, Eromose , Donkor, Felix , Ebhuoma, Osadolor O.
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Political ecology , Vulnerability , Climate change
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/416441 , uj:35227 , Citation: Ebhuoma, E., Donkor, F., Ebhuoma O.O., (2020) Political Ecology and Differential Vulnerabilities to Droughts among Livestock Farmers in South Africa: A Case Study of Mpakeni Community, STEPS Working Paper 114, Brighton: STEPS Centre
  • Description: Abstract: , Subsistence livestock production in Mpakeni community, South Africa, is crucial to enabling rural households to diversify their livelihood and spread risks. However, the frequent reoccurrences of drought have resulted in shortages of nutritious pastures in Mpakeni’s communal areas, posing significant threats to livestock production. While exposures to drought conditions in Mpakeni are homogeneous, socio-economic and political factors determine the choices and manner in which various social groups engaged in livestock production can undertake to secure pastures to reduce their vulnerability. This paper adopts a political ecology framework to qualitatively analyse Mpakeni community livestock farmers’ vulnerability to drought, including the dynamics that shape the reproduction of such vulnerabilities among the various socially differentiated groups. Key findings reveal that distinct household characteristics among different social groups amplify their inability to secure pastures from their customary locations during drought conditions. Also, the appropriation of large areas of land by traditional leaders reduces the options available to poor households to secure pastures in the face of drought. This paper argues that differentiated vulnerabilities of social groups are rooted in institutionalised forms of governance at the local level, which emanate from the corridors of power.
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The last resort? ski tourism and climate change in Arctic Sweden

- Demiroglu, Osman Cenk, Lundmark, Linda, Saarinen, Jarkko, Müller, Dieter K.

  • Authors: Demiroglu, Osman Cenk , Lundmark, Linda , Saarinen, Jarkko , Müller, Dieter K.
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Finland , Climate change , Sweden
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/458155 , uj:40684 , Citation: Demiroglu, O.C. et al. 2020. The last resort? Ski tourism and climate change in Arctic Sweden. , DOI 10.1108/JTF-05-2019-0046
  • Description: Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the external and internal factors that support or challenge a possible transformation of Arctic Sweden into a major ski destination under a changing climate. Design/methodology/approach – The paper questions future availability of the physical and the human factors that foster ski tourism development in Arctic Sweden and suggests a comparative case study in relation to the already existing large resort-based ski destinations in Arctic Finland. Findings – Preliminary documentary analysis shows that the governmental and the industrial discourses over the past decade have acknowledged a competitive edge for Sweden and its northernmost regions in particular and may even propose a structural shift for ski tourism in the near future agenda. The visualisations based on natural snow projections presented in this paper confirm this comparative advantage but other technical and socioeconomic development factors are further discussed, in relation to Arctic Finland. Research limitations/implications – Future research agenda is suggested to cover, first, assessment of natural and technical snow reliability of existing and all potential ski areas in Sweden and within its competitive set extending to all the Nordics and the Alps, then, incorporation of adaptive capacities of the suppliers but especially the likely substitution tendencies of the consumers, and finally, evaluation of the overall situation in terms of the regional development needs. Social implications – It is apparent that land use conflicts will arise in case of large ski resort-based destination development in Arctic Sweden, especially around the environmentally protected areas, which are not only already important attractions for nature-based tourism but also traditional livelihoods for the Sami. Originality/value – This is the first paper to discuss a potential regional and structural shift of ski tourism in Sweden.
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Climatic factors in relation to diarrhoea hospital admissions in rural Limpopo, South Africa

- Ikeda, Takayoshi, Kapwata, Thandi, Behera, Swadhin K., Minakawa, Noboru, Hashizume, Masahiro, Sweijd, Neville, Mathee, Angela, Wright, Caradee Yael

Environmental health practitioners potentially play a key role in helping communities adapt to climate change

- Shezi, Busisiwe, Mathee, Angela, Siziba, Wellington, Street, Renée A., Naicker, Nisha, Kunene, Zamantimande, Wright, Caradee Y.

  • Authors: Shezi, Busisiwe , Mathee, Angela , Siziba, Wellington , Street, Renée A. , Naicker, Nisha , Kunene, Zamantimande , Wright, Caradee Y.
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Climate change , Environmental health , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/397373 , uj:33026 , Citation: Shezi, B. et al. 2019. Environmental health practitioners potentially play a key role in helping communities adapt to climate change. BMC Public Health (2019) 19:54 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-6378-5
  • Description: Abstract: Background: Vulnerable population groups in South Africa, especially those living in poverty, young children, women, the elderly and people with pre-existing diseases, are susceptible to new or exacerbated health threats resulting from climate change. Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) can play an important role in helping communities adapt to climate change health impacts, however, effective coordination of this requires further understanding of their roles in implementing climate change-related adaptation actions in communities. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling was undertaken at the January 2017 conference for EHPs hosted by the South African Institute of Environmental Health in Cape Town. All EHPs who attended the conference were invited to complete a study questionnaire that requested information on participant demographics, as well as climate change related-knowledge, practices and perceptions. Results: Majority of participating EHPs (n = 48; 72.8%) had received formal or informal training on climate change and health. Thirty-nine percent of EHPs indicated that they had a climate change and health-related committee / working group in their department, a policy or strategy (41.0%) and budget allocated for climate change and health-related work (51.5%). A total of 33.3% had participated in climate change-related projects. Majority (62.2%) of EHPs believed that they should play a supportive role in addressing climate change while 37.8% believed that EHPs should play a leading role. Conclusions: Recognising the need for raising awareness about climate change adaptation as well as implementing appropriate interventions to combat climate-related ill health effects, especially among vulnerable groups, EHPs are wellplaced to adopt significant roles in helping communities to adapt to climate change.
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Socio-economic, infrastructural and health-related risk factors associated with adverse heat-health effects reportedly experienced during hot weather in South Africa

- Wright, Caradee Yael, Dominick, Friederike, Kapwata, Thandi, Bidassey-Manilal, Shalin, Engelbrecht, Jacobus Christoffel, Stich, Heribert, Mathee, Angela, Matooane, Mamopeli

  • Authors: Wright, Caradee Yael , Dominick, Friederike , Kapwata, Thandi , Bidassey-Manilal, Shalin , Engelbrecht, Jacobus Christoffel , Stich, Heribert , Mathee, Angela , Matooane, Mamopeli
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Climate change , Environmental health , Heat
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/403710 , uj:33840 , Citation: Wright, C.Y. et al. 2019. Socio-economic, infrastructural and health-related risk factors associated with adverse heat-health effects reportedly experienced during hot weather in South Africa. , DOI:10.11604/pamj.2019.34.40.17569
  • Description: Abstract: Introduction: poor urban communities are likely to bear the brunt of climate change impacts on health and well-being. The City of Johannesburg, South Africa, is predicted to experience an average increase in ambient temperature of 4°C by 2100. Focusing on the urban environment, this study aimed to determine socio-economic, infrastructural and health-related risk factors for heat-related adverse health effects. Methods: this was a crosssectional study. Data of interest were collected using a pretested and validated questionnaire administered to parents of children attending schools participating in a school heat study. Information related to demographic, socio-economic and household-level determinants of health, which has an impact on the individual prevalence of adverse heat-health effects associated with hot weather, was collected for 136 households and 580 individuals. Results: sweating (n = 208 individuals; 35%), headache and nausea (n = 111; 19%) and weakness, fatigue and dizziness (n = 87; 15%) were the most common heat-health effects reportedly experienced by individuals (n = 580) during hot weather. Individuals who suffered from hypertension (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.34 - 4.05, p = 0.003) and individuals older than 60 years (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.27-1.99, p < 0.001) compared to other age groups were more likely to experience 'any heat-health effects'. Living in government-sponsored detached housing and in houses with asbestos roofs were associated with an increase in reported experience of 'any heat-health effects' compared to living in other housing types. Conclusion: heathealth awareness campaigns should target people suffering from pre-existing diseases and the elderly, as these groups are especially vulnerable to heat. Focus should also be given to appropriate roofing and insulation in government-sponsored housing since summertime temperatures are projected to increase.
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Urban tourism and climate change: Risk perceptions of business tourism stakeholders in Johannesburg, South Africa

- Pandy, Wayde R., Rongerson, Christian M.

Climate sensitivity and snow-based tourism in Africa : an investigation of Tripadvisor review on Afriski, Lesotho

- Stockigt, L., Hoogendoorn, G., Fitchett, J.M., Saarinen, J.

Critical review of salinity intrusion in rivers and estuaries

- Mohammed, Ruqayah, Scholz, Miklas

  • Authors: Mohammed, Ruqayah , Scholz, Miklas
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Climate change , Coastal resources management , Estuary
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/291494 , uj:31657 , Citation: Mohammed, R. & Scholz, M. 2018. Critical review of salinity intrusion in rivers and estuaries.
  • Description: Abstract: There is scientific evidence of accelerated sea level rise and saline intrusion. Some impacts such as stratification and estuarine circulation are subtle; others are dramatic including shifts in salt-sensitive habitats and limited water availability of suitable quality for industrial and municipal uses. These results have become a remarkable reality resulting in a set of integrated surface water organisation issues. Tremendous population increases overwhelming many coastal areas have expanded the problem. These challenges have been studied from many perspectives using various objectives and methodologies, and then arriving at different findings. However, all research assured that significant rises in sea level have influenced estuaries and tidally-affected rivers, and these observations are expected to become rapidly worse in the future. This study introduces categorises, critically investigates and synthesises the most related studies regarding accelerated sea level rise and challenges of the development associated with the resources of surface water in estuaries and tidally-affected rivers. This critical review reveals that there is a need for research that focuses on the development of sustainable surface water resources.
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Nature-based tourism operators’ perceptions and adaptation to climate change in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

- Mushawemhuka, William, Rogerson, Jayne M., Saarinen, Jarkko

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