Predicting future distribution patterns of Jatropha gossypiifolia L. in South Africa in response to climate change

The World Economic Forum Principles on "Climate Governance on Corporate Boards": can soft law help to face climate change around the world?

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT STUDIES ◽

10.3280/cgrds1-2019oa8509 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 37-55

Author(s):

Sabrina Bruno

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

South Africa ◽

Comparative Analysis ◽

Boards Of Directors ◽

Soft Law ◽

Corporate Boards ◽

World Economic Forum ◽

Financial Factor ◽

The World ◽

World Economic

Climate change is a financial factor that carries with it risks and opportunities for companies. To support boards of directors of companies belonging to all jurisdictions, the World Economic Forum issued in January 2019 eight Principlescontaining both theoretical and practical provisions on: climate accountability, competence, governance, management, disclosure and dialogue. The paper analyses each Principle to understand scope and managerial consequences for boards and to evaluate whether the legal distinctions, among the various jurisdictions, may undermine the application of the Principles or, by contrast, despite the differences the Principles may be a useful and effective guidance to drive boards' of directors' conduct around the world in handling climate change challenges. Five jurisdictions are taken into consideration for this comparative analysis: Europe (and UK), US, Australia, South Africa and Canada. The conclusion is that the WEF Principles, as soft law, is the best possible instrument to address boards of directors of worldwide companies, harmonise their conduct and effectively help facing such global emergency.

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The Biology of Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems

10.1093/oso/9780198739135.001.0001 ◽

2018 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Karen J. Esler ◽

Anna L. Jacobsen ◽

R. Brandon Pratt

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

South Africa ◽

Invasive Species ◽

Habitat Loss ◽

Endemic Species ◽

Geographic Area ◽

Cutting Edge ◽

Wide Range ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

Mediterranean Type Ecosystems

The world’s mediterranean-type climate regions (including areas within the Mediterranean, South Africa, Australia, California, and Chile) have long been of interest to biologists by virtue of their extraordinary biodiversity and the appearance of evolutionary convergence between these disparate regions. Comparisons between mediterranean-type climate regions have provided important insights into questions at the cutting edge of ecological, ecophysiological and evolutionary research. These regions, dominated by evergreen shrubland communities, contain many rare and endemic species. Their mild climate makes them appealing places to live and visit and this has resulted in numerous threats to the species and communities that occupy them. Threats include a wide range of factors such as habitat loss due to development and agriculture, disturbance, invasive species, and climate change. As a result, they continue to attract far more attention than their limited geographic area might suggest. This book provides a concise but comprehensive introduction to mediterranean-type ecosystems. As with other books in the Biology of Habitats Series, the emphasis in this book is on the organisms that dominate these regions although their management, conservation, and restoration are also considered.

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Early mortality and freshwater forage fish recruitment: nonnative alewife and native rainbow smelt interactions in Lake Champlain

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences ◽

10.1139/cjfas-2017-0571 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 76 (5) ◽

pp. 806-814

Author(s):

Paul W. Simonin ◽

Lars G. Rudstam ◽

Patrick J. Sullivan ◽

Donna L. Parrish ◽

Bernard Pientka

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Distribution Patterns ◽

Mortality Rates ◽

Early Mortality ◽

Fish Distribution ◽

Change Scenario ◽

Lake Champlain ◽

Species Introduction ◽

Rainbow Smelt ◽

Fish Recruitment

We studied the consequences of a nonnative species introduction and changes in temperature on early mortality and recruitment of native rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) and nonnative alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) in Lake Champlain using a simulation model. Distribution patterns of adults and young-of-the-year (YOY) fish were predicted using a model based on observed distribution of different age groups as a function of temperature and light profiles simulated on a daily basis. Mortality rates averaged over the growing season were calculated as a function of fish densities and overlap between adults and YOY. Survival of YOY rainbow smelt and alewife depended on which predator was most abundant. Rainbow smelt YOY mortality rates are highest when rainbow smelt adults are abundant, and alewife YOY mortality rates are highest when alewife adults are abundant, potentially allowing coexistence. August and September mortality rates were higher in the climate change scenario because of increased overlap of adults and YOY of both species. These results indicate that accounting for spatiotemporal fish distribution patterns can be important when forecasting the interacting effects of climate change and aquatic invasive species on fish recruitment.

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Climate change impacts on water resources in a rural community in Limpopo province, South Africa: a community-based adaptation to water insecurity

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management ◽

10.1108/ijccsm-04-2020-0033 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (5) ◽

pp. 587-598

Author(s):

Sejabaledi Agnes Rankoana

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

South Africa ◽

Water Resources ◽

Water Supply ◽

Rural Community ◽

Limpopo Province ◽

Community Based ◽

Content Type ◽

Adaptation Practices ◽

Community Based Adaptation

Purpose The study explored the impacts of climate change on water resources, and the community-based adaptation practices adopted to ensure water security in a rural community in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The participatory approach was used to allow community members to share their challenges of water scarcity, and the measures they have developed to cope with inconsistent water supply. Findings The study results show that the community obtains water for household consumption from the reticulation system supplied by Mutale River and the community borehole. These resources are negatively impacted by drought, change in the frequency and distribution of rainfall, and increased temperature patterns. The water levels in the river and borehole have declined, resulting in unsustainable water supply. The community-based adaptation practices facilitated by the water committee include observance of restrictions and regulations on the water resources use. Others involve securing water from neighbouring resources. Originality/value This type of community-based action in response to climate change could be used as part of rural water management strategies under climate change.

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Coastal foraging on the West Coast of South Africa in the midst of mid-Holocene climate change

The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology ◽

10.1080/15564894.2021.1893869 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-22

Author(s):

Antonieta Jerardino

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

South Africa ◽

West Coast ◽

Holocene Climate ◽

The West ◽

Holocene Climate Change

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Climate Change and Health Preparedness in Africa: Analysing Trends in Six African Countries

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094672 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4672

Author(s):

Samuel Kwasi Opoku ◽

Walter Leal Filho ◽

Fudjumdjum Hubert ◽

Oluwabunmi Adejumo

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Climate Change ◽

South Africa ◽

Human Health ◽

Health Systems ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Health Problems ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Basic Knowledge ◽

African Countries

Climate change is a global problem, which affects the various geographical regions at different levels. It is also associated with a wide range of human health problems, which pose a burden to health systems, especially in regions such as Africa. Indeed, across the African continent public health systems are under severe pressure, partly due to their fragile socioeconomic conditions. This paper reports on a cross-sectional study in six African countries (Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Namibia, Ethiopia, and Kenya) aimed at assessing their vulnerabilities to climate change, focusing on its impacts on human health. The study evaluated the levels of information, knowledge, and perceptions of public health professionals. It also examined the health systems’ preparedness to cope with these health hazards, the available resources, and those needed to build resilience to the country’s vulnerable population, as perceived by health professionals. The results revealed that 63.1% of the total respondents reported that climate change had been extensively experienced in the past years, while 32% claimed that the sampled countries had experienced them to some extent. Nigerian respondents recorded the highest levels (67.7%), followed by Kenya with 66.6%. South Africa had the lowest level of impact as perceived by the respondents (50.0%) when compared with the other sampled countries. All respondents from Ghana and Namibia reported that health problems caused by climate change are common in the two countries. As perceived by the health professionals, the inadequate resources reiterate the need for infrastructural resources, medical equipment, emergency response resources, and technical support. The study’s recommendations include the need to improve current policies at all levels (i.e., national, regional, and local) on climate change and public health and to strengthen health professionals’ skills. Improving the basic knowledge of health institutions to better respond to a changing climate is also recommended. The study provides valuable insights which may be helpful to other nations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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A SWOT Analysis Approach for a Sustainable Transition to Renewable Energy in South Africa

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13073933 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 3933

Author(s):

Solomon E. Uhunamure ◽

Karabo Shale

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

South Africa ◽

Renewable Energy ◽

Regional Integration ◽

Power Plants ◽

Swot Analysis ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Policy Implications ◽

Analysis Approach ◽

Renewable Energy Resources

South Africa is been faced with erratic power supply, resulting in persistent load shedding due to ageing in most of its coal-fired power plants. Associated with generating electricity from fossil fuel are environmental consequences such as greenhouse emissions and climate change. On the other hand, the country is endowed with abundant renewable energy resources that can potentially ameliorate its energy needs. This article explores the viability of renewable energy using the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis approach on the key renewable potential in the country. The result indicates that geographic position, political and economic stability and policy implementation are some of the strengths. However, Government bureaucratic processes, level of awareness and high investment cost are some of the weaknesses. Several opportunities favour switching to renewable energy, and these include regional integration, global awareness on climate change and the continuous electricity demand. Some threats hindering the renewable energy sector in the country include land ownership, corruption and erratic climatic conditions. Some policy implications are suggested based on the findings of the study.

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