heatwaveslatest news & developments
the country’s climate future is fast becoming hotter, drier and more dangerous. (Delwyn Verasamy, M&G)

South Africa’s major climate threats — from drought to deadly heatwaves

From collapsing maize yields to a possible cyclone hitting Richards Bay, a Wits expert warns that South Africa’s climate future is fast becoming hotter, drier and more dangerous

  • Sheree Bega
8 min read
Flood of information: The University of the Witwatersrand’s Global Change Institute and the South African National Biodiversity Institute have developed climate change fact sheets for local governments. Photo: EMS KZN

SA municipalities get high-resolution data to tackle climate hazards

Wits and Sanbi have launched fact sheets, helping local governments plan for a climate-stressed SA

  • Sheree Bega
8 min read
Low: The Vaal Dam, part of the Integrated Vaal River System supplying Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Free State and Northern Cape, is under pressure from planned maintenance and low rainfall. Photo: Mike van Jaarsveld

Vaal Dam’s levels are plummeting

Although there is a backup plan in the Sterkfontein Dam, residents need to reduce their water use

  • Eyaaz
7 min read
Workers carry ice blocks on a hand cart in New Delhi on May 30, 2024, amid an ongoing heatwave. Temperature readings in the city rose into the high 40s Celsius on May 29, with power usage in the city, where the population is estimated at more than 30 million, surging to a record high. (Photo by Money SHARMA / AFP)

In the face of climate change, extreme heat is a human rights crisis

National and local governments should adopt and implement heat action plans to guide heatwave preparation and emergency response

  • Sheree Bega
8 min read
Limiting greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience can improve the everyday lives and experiences of South Africans. (Photo by Patrick Pleul/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Report: Climate change to reduce incomes, undermine food and water security, raise cost of living

Limiting greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience can improve the everyday lives and experiences of South Africans This content is restricted to registered users and subscribers. Get Your Free Account The Mail & Guardian is committed to providing all our readers with the best possible experience. Please register your free account now. Your registration is your first step to becoming an M&G community member. Register Registration enables: – M&G newsletters access – notifications – the best possible experience Already registered? Login here Want to subscribe and get even more benefits? Explore our subscription offers

  • Sheree Bega
1 min read
Nestlé’s Communication Executive Mota Mota.

Climate crisis: Huge blow to cocoa producers

Chocolate prices set to soar as climate change affects Nestlé’s production

  • Derek Davey
3 min read
The UN Financing for Development Summit failed to deal with the issue of funding countries hit hardest by the climate crisis. (Envato Elements)

Heatwaves: ‘This is just the beginning’

The lengthy period of very high temperatures in November broke monthly records This content is restricted to registered users and subscribers. Get Your Free Account The Mail & Guardian is committed to providing all our readers with the best possible experience. Please register your free account now. Your registration is your first step to becoming an M&G community member. Register Registration enables: – M&G newsletters access – notifications – the best possible experience Already registered? Login here Want to subscribe and get even more benefits? Explore our subscription offers

  • Sheree Bega
1 min read