South Africa requires R250 billion for climate adaptation

South Africa requires approximately R250 billion (US$15.64 billion) over the next decade to meet basic climate adaptation needs. Researchers from the University of Cape Town’s African Climate and Development Initiative and the Energy Systems Research Group indicate this funding would only achieve a minimal level of adaptation.

Key climate risks identified for the country through 2050 include water scarcity, health threats, food insecurity, infrastructure damage, biodiversity loss, and declining labor productivity. These risks are driven by increased global warming and more frequent extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, heavy rains, wildfires, and coastal storm surges.

While the entire country is affected, the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Limpopo, and Eastern Cape have been identified as particularly susceptible and in need of priority support. Researchers emphasized the need for a formal record of climate-related losses and damages to justify adaptation spending, noting that strengthening water and sanitation systems is a primary goal to protect health and the economy.