The Link Between Climate Change and Digitization of Archives in South Africa

2022 ◽  
pp. 537-552
Author(s):  
Nkholedzeni Sidney Netshakhuma
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
National Archives ◽  
Institutional Memory ◽  
Strategic Role ◽  
Long Term Preservation

This chapter assesses the link between climate change and digitisation of archives in South Africa. The study found linkage between flooding, fire, and digitization of archives in the sense that records required long-term preservation to be accessible. The chapter focuses on converting paper-based records into digital platforms as a strategic role to prevent records from damage. Heritage institution such as the National Archives of South Africa is in the forefront of the preservation of archives in South Africa. It is their national mandate to preserve archival materials and make them accessible to various stakeholders. The success of digitization is dependent on the organisation strategy. This means that partnership, privacy, copyright need to be considered. The research found that most of the heritage institutions in South Africa lack digitization strategy, which led to loss of institutional memory.

scholarly journals Analysis of the BRICS countries’ pathways towards a low-carbon environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 77-102
Author(s):  
Agyemang Sampene ◽  
Cai Li ◽  
Fredrick Agyeman ◽  
Robert Brenya
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Electricity Markets ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Human Society ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Brics Countries ◽  
Nationally Determined Contributions ◽  
Low Carbon Technologies

Global climate change has emerged as humanity’s greatest challenge, affecting both the natural security of the earth and the long-term growth of human society. Protecting the environment and fostering long-term growth while reducing carbon emissions has become a global concern. The BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) are participating in the fight against climate change through the promotion of low-carbon environment (LCE). In this study, we use content analysis to discuss some of the policies, plans, and programs outlined by the various governments in the BRICS that can help them implement an LCE. The study indicates that currently Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa are rated as “insufficient,” “critically insufficient,” “compatible,” “incompatible,” and “highly insufficient” respectively in their commitment to nationally determined contributions (NDC) to the Paris Agreement. The paper recommends that the BRICS countries achieve an LCE through expanding low-carbon investments and financing, focusing on taxation that goes beyond energy, investing in low-carbon cities, adapting to a circular economy and low-carbon technologies, expanding electricity markets, and promoting climate-friendly international trade among the BRICS countries.

scholarly journals Carbon Risk Analysis Of The South African Banks’ Lending To The JSE100 CDP Companies

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 123-137
Author(s):  
Alfred Bimha
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Carbon Emissions ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Public Information ◽  
Economic Transformation ◽  
The Other ◽  
Carbon Intensity

There is a pertinent concern over the continued lending to companies that are still pursuing projects that increase the amount of carbon emissions in the atmosphere. South Africa has most of its energy generation being done through coal thermal powered turbines. More so there are a number of new power stations being built in South Africa that are coal powered. Coal on the other hand is deemed as having the highest amount of carbon that contributes to the greenhouse effect which in turn affects the climate leading to climate change consequences. There is also a growing concern on the uptake of renewable energy initiatives by companies that are deemed carbon intensive. Banks are being castigated for not using their economic transformation role to champion the agenda of combating climate change caused by carbon emissions. In this study, the extent of lending in the short and long term to carbon intensive companies by South African banks is examined. Using a sample of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange top 100 companies that participate in Carbon Disclosure Project, an analysis is done through four carbon metrics –carbon intensity, carbon dependency, carbon exposure, carbon risk. The analysis used public information from the banks’ websites, South African Reserve Bank reports and other public databases that contain sustainability information of the JSE100 companies. The analysis was done by comparing the carbon metrics of the recognized seven (7) sectorial industry catergories (SIC) on the JSE, mainly Energy & Materials, Industrials, Consumer Staples, Consumer Discretionary, Financials, IT & Telecoms and Health Care. The major finding of the research is that there is a high carbon risk in short term loans compared to long term loans across the JSE100 companies that are analysed. More so, the Energy & Materials sector seem to have the highest carbon risk compared to the other sectors.

scholarly journals The use of metadata systems for the preservation of digital records in cultural heritage institutions

2021 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 55-70
Author(s):  
Tlou Maggie Masenya
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
South African ◽  
Digital Preservation ◽  
Technical Expertise ◽  
Technological Infrastructure ◽  
Global Access ◽  
Long Term Preservation

Many studies concur that most of the world’s heritage resources, including digital records, are highly vulnerable to loss, and some cannot be recovered due to neglect or mismanagement. Strategies are thus needed to ensure long-term preservation and global access to digital records of enduring value. Metadata systems have been regarded as a suitable strategy to support digital preservation processes and prevent digital records loss within cultural heritage institutions. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the adoption of metadata systems in cultural heritage institutions in South Africa. This study utilised literature review to critically examine the use of metadata systems for the preservation of digital records in cultural heritage institutions. Although various preservation systems and strategies are being developed to enable description, discovery and delivery of digital records, the findings revealed that South African cultural heritage institutions’ level of metadata system adoption is low. This is due to lack of awareness about metadata schemas and standards, lack of technical expertise, inadequate funding and lack of technological infrastructure. Several recommendations are made to enhance preservation of digital records, including increasing awareness and the implementation of metadata systems, schemas and policies.

Assessing the paleoenvironmental potential of Pliocene to Holocene tufa deposits along the Ghaap Plateau escarpment (South Africa) using stable isotopes

2015 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor Louise Doran ◽  
Andy I.R. Herries ◽  
Philip J. Hopley ◽  
Hank Sombroek ◽  
John Hellstrom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Environmental History ◽  
Local Environment ◽  
Environment Analysis ◽  
Australopithecus Africanus ◽  
Hominin Evolution ◽  
Causal Processes ◽  
Arid Conditions

The tufa deposits of the Ghaap Plateau escarpment provide a rich, yet minimally explored, geological archive of climate and environmental history coincident with hominin evolution in South Africa. This study examines the sedimentary and geochemical records of ancient and modern tufas from Buxton-Norlim Limeworks, Groot Kloof, and Gorrokop, to assess the potential of these sediments for providing reliable chronologies of high-resolution, paleoenvironmental information. Chronometric dating demonstrates that tufa formation has occurred from at least the terminal Pliocene through to the modern day. The stable isotope records show a trend toward higher, more variable δ18O and δ13C values with decreasing age from the end of the Pliocene onwards. The long-term increase in δ18O values corresponds to increasingly arid conditions, while increasing δ13C values reflect the changing proportion of C3/C4 vegetation in the local environment. Analysis of the Thabaseek Tufa, in particular, provides valuable evidence for reconstructing the depositional and chronological context of the enigmatic Taung Child (Australopithecus africanus). Collectively, the results of the present study demonstrate the potential of these deposits for developing high-precision records of climate change and ultimately, for understanding the causal processes relating climate and hominin evolution.

scholarly journals Empirical Analysis of BRICS Countries Pathway Toward Low-Carbon Environment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Cai ◽  
Agyemang Kwasi Sampene ◽  
Fredrick Oteng Agyeman ◽  
Lincoln Abraham Ayisi ◽  
Robert Brenya
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Hydrological Cycle ◽  
Paris Agreement ◽  
Ocean Current ◽  
Human Society ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Energy Investment ◽  
Brics Countries

Abstract Background: The rising sea level, the lasting variations on the surface ocean current, vulnerable ecosystems, hydrological cycle, extreme weather conditions, and the like are subjects emanating from the rising emission in the atmosphere. Global climate change has emerged as humanity's greatest challenge, affecting both the earth's natural security and the long-term growth of human society. Yet, the reckless pursuit of economic gains put social and ecological environmental safety at a severe demerit. This practice has brought grave consequences to humanity in environmental pollution, climate change, health hazards depletion, etc. Protecting the environment and fostering long-term growth while reducing carbon emissions has become a global concern. The BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) are participating in the fight against climate change through LCE promotion. In this study, we use content analysis to discusses some of the policies, plans, programs outlined by the various governments in the BRICS that can help them reach to help them accomplish LCE. Results: The study discussion indicates that Brazil has adopted the (National Energy Plans 2030 and 2050), Russia (Energy strategy 2035 for Russia), India actions and plans also include (Apex Committee for Implementation of Paris Agreement of India, China (Pollution Control, Energy Conservation, and Carbon Reduction and South Africa (Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan). The result from the study also indicates that currently Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa are rated "Insufficient," "Critically Insufficient," "Compactible" "incompatible," and "Highly Insufficient" respectively in their commitment to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to the Paris Agreement. Conclusion: The paper recommends that BRICS countries reach LCE through; expansion in low-carbon investments and financing, focus on taxation extends beyond energy, investment in low-carbon cities, adapting to a circular economy and low-carbon technology, a revisitation of the electricity markets, and the promotion of climate-friendly international trade among the BRICS countries.

scholarly journals Rethinking a sustainable truffle sector under global crises

Erdkunde ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulf Büntgen ◽  
Tomáš Čejka ◽  
Mirek Trnka ◽  
Paul W. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Global Climate Change ◽  
Financial Crises ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Risk Assessments ◽  
Cultivation Practices ◽  
Direct And Indirect Impacts ◽  
Indirect Impacts

Global climate change is the main threat for the emerging truffle sector, which already extends across seven key regions in the Americas, Europe, South Africa and Australasia. At the same time, the potential effects of financial crises and global pandemics have not yet been considered in most risk assessments. Here we describe the direct and indirect impacts of the actual coronavirus pandemic on the rising truffle sector. We discuss how COVID-19 affects small family businesses and international enterprises, and if the current harvest decline will have ecological long-term benefits. Furthermore, we question extant cultivation practices, irrigation techniques and trade systems to prepare for a more equitable and sustainable future of the global truffle industry. Despite various foci on one of the most expensive gourmet foods and its associated agroforestry, we expect our reflections to be valuable for many other high-value crops, and a green agriculture in general.

Conferences as Learning Spaces on Climate Change and Sustainability

2015 ◽  
pp. 37-59
Author(s):  
Mona Betour El Zoghbi
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Youth Participation ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
New Learning ◽  
Meaningful Engagement ◽  
Depth Interviews

The international community is increasingly recognizing the importance of youth's meaningful engagement and empowerment for managing long-term climate change challenges, and of their consultation on policies and decisions that affect their well-being and sustainable development. Yet the extent to which new learning is generated in current spaces for youth participation in local, national and global negotiations and decision-making on environmental issues remains less understood. This Chapter discusses the importance and effectiveness of youth-targeted and youth-led environmental conferences, forums, workshops and similar events in advancing the learning experiences of youth participants in these events. Testimonials from young people, generated through in-depth interviews of youth participants at environmental conferences and forums in the Netherlands and South Africa provide key insights into their engagement. The findings highlight the need for more empowering and critically engaging platforms for youth participation and for adequate mentoring of young participants.

Conferences as Learning Spaces on Climate Change and Sustainability

2017 ◽  
pp. 896-918
Author(s):  
Mona Betour El Zoghbi
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Youth Participation ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
New Learning ◽  
Meaningful Engagement ◽  
Depth Interviews

The international community is increasingly recognizing the importance of youth's meaningful engagement and empowerment for managing long-term climate change challenges, and of their consultation on policies and decisions that affect their well-being and sustainable development. Yet the extent to which new learning is generated in current spaces for youth participation in local, national and global negotiations and decision-making on environmental issues remains less understood. This Chapter discusses the importance and effectiveness of youth-targeted and youth-led environmental conferences, forums, workshops and similar events in advancing the learning experiences of youth participants in these events. Testimonials from young people, generated through in-depth interviews of youth participants at environmental conferences and forums in the Netherlands and South Africa provide key insights into their engagement. The findings highlight the need for more empowering and critically engaging platforms for youth participation and for adequate mentoring of young participants.

Long-Term Preservation for Access of Audio-Visual Archives at Botswana National Archives (BNARS)

2021 ◽  
pp. 92-109
Author(s):  
Julie Moloi
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
National Archives ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Document Review ◽  
Long Term Preservation ◽  
Collection Methods

This chapter discusses the long-term preservation and access to audio-visual (AV) archives at the Botswana National Archives and Records Services (BNARS). The principal guidance to the study was attributed to international preservation guidelines, standards, and best practices. The study adopted a qualitative approach, along with the employment of these data collection methods: interviews, observation, and document review. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the target population, which included the deputy director, senior archivist, and the archives officer. Data was subjected to thematic analysis in line with the set objectives. The key research findings of the study indicated that there were no long-term preservation strategy for AV archives at BNARS, there was absence of archival access and no acquisition policies in place, various types of AV materials were all stored under the same roof and under the same climatic conditions. Furthermore, some AV archives were not processed thus making it hard to identify, retrieve, and make them accessible for use. Additionally, the research reflected that there was lack of requisite special technical skills needed for long-term preservation of AV archives. Finally, the study revealed that there was no specific budget for the long-term preservation of AV archives at BNARS. In conclusion, therefore, the study recommends that, BNARS develop a holistic AV preservation strategy to ensure the long-term availability and accessibility of AV archives for future use.

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