Date: 17/10/2005
Source: Department of Science and Technology
Title: Mangena: Climate Change Conference
Keynote address by the honourable Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Mosibudi Mangena, at the opening of the Climate Change Conference in Gallagher Estate
Director of Ceremonies
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism,
Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk
Chairpersons and Members of Parliamentary
Portfolio Committees
Directors-General;
Presidents and CEOs of Science Councils;
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
In matters concerning a phenomenon as pervasive as climate change, collaboration is vitally important. Co-hosting this conference is one of the most effective ways of ensuring that inputs and decisions that are going to emanate from this conference influence policies and informs the research that is currently taking place in this area of work in South Africa and continent.
An increasing number of experts in the social, economic, pure and natural sciences are gradually beginning to acknowledge the fact that climate change is not a myth, and that an improved understanding of this phenomenon on our complex country and continent is urgently required. Interactions at levels provided by platforms such as this conference will greatly enhance the co-ordination of individual efforts, and assist policy makers make informed decisions in this regard.
Whether we are scientists or not, we all have a sense that climate change is not good for us and our planet; that it is likely to bring with it adverse weather conditions such as floods, droughts, extreme heat or cold; that we might have to face new and frequent disasters. At the moment we are not sure whether climate change might bring about new and unknown diseases or new disease patterns, or even lead to the extinction of some species as habitats change drastically. The science community has a critical role to play in helping humanity understand this phenomenon, and suggest solutions to the impending changes. To this end, this conference is therefore a step in the right direction.
A balanced analysis of the impact of climate change, and measures taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is urgently required as both have a significant influence on decision making processes. The lack of a coherent approach has led to uncertainty in several key aspects, such as magnitude, timing and regional distribution of anticipated climate changes, including the possible threats that may be posed by the changes in climate to our environment. Research conducted in the following areas will greatly enhance our understanding, and help us to quantify and reduce existing uncertainties:
1) Climate system “forcing” this is a technical term used by scientists, interactions and feedbacks, to produce a better understanding of external forcing factors and interactive physical, chemical and biological processes of oceans, land and atmosphere that are involved.
2) Projections of global and regional climate change, and their environmental and social impacts: Among the potentially disruptive effects of climate change are changes in the nature of short-term climate variability, most notably the nature, frequency, and intensity of extreme weather and short-term climate events. The relationship between climate change and many crucial aspects of these events is poorly understood, and we need to find answers through research.
3) Policy makers need to understand methods used to quantify the uncertainties of climate change projections. The science community needs to make significant inputs into the policy and strategy development processes.
However, we are aware that critical to achieving the above is the establishment of appropriate infrastructure, and that developing nations that lack such infrastructure or resources to respond to the impacts of climate change will be adversely affected. This may hamper long-term efforts aimed at sustaining a safer and healthier environment.
Climate change research requires global observation of numerous characteristics of the earth system over long periods of time. Climate scientists need to ensure that reliable data collected by a whole suite of observing systems from satellites to surface stations to ocean buoys operated by various countries and agencies, is accessible to those who have to make or implement policies on reducing the effects of climate change. The infrastructure required to meet these research priorities include:
1) reliable, long-term climate information from palaeo-records, as well as existing and future observational systems designed or adapted for the study of climate variability and change;
2) adequate computational resources for climate research and projections, and for ensembles of calculations to quantify uncertainties in the projections;
3) a focused and well-coordinated multi-agency and international research and applications structure.
What has been done thus far is minimal compared to the amount of work that lies ahead. However, a lot of progress has been made in South Africa towards the attainment of the objectives of the Science and Technology White Paper, National Research and Development Strategy and the National Climate Change Response Strategy. The White Paper acknowledges the critical role played by a well functioning and balanced ecosystem to improved quality of human life.
The use of fact-based assessments to develop policies that can be responsive to climate change is critical.
Our obligations under the Kyoto Protocol require us to have in place long term plans to adjust our energy mix to reduce the impact of carbon emissions. South Africa is a large emitter of carbon dioxide. This means that renewable energy sources and carriers are going to be of increasing importance. The use of nuclear power is clearly one of the options alongside wind and solar technologies that will become more pervasive. High intensity, high temperature solar energy production and the next generation of high temperature nuclear reactors are important options for the move to a non-fossil fuel economy that will use hydrogen as a major carrier of energy. Cabinet has approved a plan for increased research, innovation and demonstration of technologies for the hydrogen economy.
The development of reliable sources of information and effective time series for the monitoring of environmental changes has been prioritised by the Department of Science and Technology.
The South African Earth Observation Network (SAEON) launched the Ndlovu Node in Baphalaborwa this year. Others are to follow in a focused programme for the establishment of research and education platforms for long term ecological research. This will advance our understanding of ecosystems, and the ability to detect, predict and react to environmental change. These nodes are focusing on a number of scientific themes which vary from water, nutrient cycles, and biodiversity to climate and atmospheric changes, to mention a few.
Responding to the call made during the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, South Africa has strategically led and participated in a number of forums, like the Group on Earth Observation (GEO) to ensure that there is increased international collaboration to optimally harness and strengthen observation capabilities. This is expected to be achieved through the joint exploitation of technological resources by the global community to address observation gaps, share data and critically facilitate the delivery of information to users. A collaborative effort from African countries will ensure maximum benefit from programmes like the GEOSS and its Ten Year Implementation Plan.
For a country’s economy to adapt to emerging global dynamics, it must be knowledge driven. Hence, every country is encouraged to develop a sustainable critical mass of climate scientists to help grapple with the dynamics of climate change. All involved are urged to put in place the necessary measures to entice young scientists into this specialist field. We encourage emerging scientists to exploit the opportunities presented to them through relevant programmes run by various institutions, including my department’s learnerships on ecological informatics, early warning systems and disaster management.
A much neglected aspect of climate change understanding is the role that the continuing and pervasive poverty that afflicts more than a third of the people on this planet has on climate change, and the impacts that climate change will in turn have on the most marginalised in the global context. I hope that there is ongoing recognition that the ecological footprint of the poor is tiny compared to the massive consumption patterns of the developed world. This creates special obligations for the developed world to partner with the developing world to find sustainable solutions for the future. These solutions include scientific and technological partnerships that are exemplified by this conference, and which I hope will lead to better collaboration and exchange.
We sincerely hope that the science and technology community will intensify its research and development efforts to improve the quality of information required in making climate change decisions.
May I, in closing, thank and wish this conference success in its deliberations. Preserving this planet for posterity is an obligation we dare not ignore.
Thank you.
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
17 October 2005
Source: Department of Science and Technology
Title: Mangena: Climate Change Conference
Keynote address by the honourable Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Mosibudi Mangena, at the opening of the Climate Change Conference in Gallagher Estate
Director of Ceremonies
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism,
Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk
Chairpersons and Members of Parliamentary
Portfolio Committees
Directors-General;
Presidents and CEOs of Science Councils;
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
In matters concerning a phenomenon as pervasive as climate change, collaboration is vitally important. Co-hosting this conference is one of the most effective ways of ensuring that inputs and decisions that are going to emanate from this conference influence policies and informs the research that is currently taking place in this area of work in South Africa and continent.
An increasing number of experts in the social, economic, pure and natural sciences are gradually beginning to acknowledge the fact that climate change is not a myth, and that an improved understanding of this phenomenon on our complex country and continent is urgently required. Interactions at levels provided by platforms such as this conference will greatly enhance the co-ordination of individual efforts, and assist policy makers make informed decisions in this regard.
Whether we are scientists or not, we all have a sense that climate change is not good for us and our planet; that it is likely to bring with it adverse weather conditions such as floods, droughts, extreme heat or cold; that we might have to face new and frequent disasters. At the moment we are not sure whether climate change might bring about new and unknown diseases or new disease patterns, or even lead to the extinction of some species as habitats change drastically. The science community has a critical role to play in helping humanity understand this phenomenon, and suggest solutions to the impending changes. To this end, this conference is therefore a step in the right direction.
A balanced analysis of the impact of climate change, and measures taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is urgently required as both have a significant influence on decision making processes. The lack of a coherent approach has led to uncertainty in several key aspects, such as magnitude, timing and regional distribution of anticipated climate changes, including the possible threats that may be posed by the changes in climate to our environment. Research conducted in the following areas will greatly enhance our understanding, and help us to quantify and reduce existing uncertainties:
1) Climate system “forcing” this is a technical term used by scientists, interactions and feedbacks, to produce a better understanding of external forcing factors and interactive physical, chemical and biological processes of oceans, land and atmosphere that are involved.
2) Projections of global and regional climate change, and their environmental and social impacts: Among the potentially disruptive effects of climate change are changes in the nature of short-term climate variability, most notably the nature, frequency, and intensity of extreme weather and short-term climate events. The relationship between climate change and many crucial aspects of these events is poorly understood, and we need to find answers through research.
3) Policy makers need to understand methods used to quantify the uncertainties of climate change projections. The science community needs to make significant inputs into the policy and strategy development processes.
However, we are aware that critical to achieving the above is the establishment of appropriate infrastructure, and that developing nations that lack such infrastructure or resources to respond to the impacts of climate change will be adversely affected. This may hamper long-term efforts aimed at sustaining a safer and healthier environment.
Climate change research requires global observation of numerous characteristics of the earth system over long periods of time. Climate scientists need to ensure that reliable data collected by a whole suite of observing systems from satellites to surface stations to ocean buoys operated by various countries and agencies, is accessible to those who have to make or implement policies on reducing the effects of climate change. The infrastructure required to meet these research priorities include:
1) reliable, long-term climate information from palaeo-records, as well as existing and future observational systems designed or adapted for the study of climate variability and change;
2) adequate computational resources for climate research and projections, and for ensembles of calculations to quantify uncertainties in the projections;
3) a focused and well-coordinated multi-agency and international research and applications structure.
What has been done thus far is minimal compared to the amount of work that lies ahead. However, a lot of progress has been made in South Africa towards the attainment of the objectives of the Science and Technology White Paper, National Research and Development Strategy and the National Climate Change Response Strategy. The White Paper acknowledges the critical role played by a well functioning and balanced ecosystem to improved quality of human life.
The use of fact-based assessments to develop policies that can be responsive to climate change is critical.
Our obligations under the Kyoto Protocol require us to have in place long term plans to adjust our energy mix to reduce the impact of carbon emissions. South Africa is a large emitter of carbon dioxide. This means that renewable energy sources and carriers are going to be of increasing importance. The use of nuclear power is clearly one of the options alongside wind and solar technologies that will become more pervasive. High intensity, high temperature solar energy production and the next generation of high temperature nuclear reactors are important options for the move to a non-fossil fuel economy that will use hydrogen as a major carrier of energy. Cabinet has approved a plan for increased research, innovation and demonstration of technologies for the hydrogen economy.
The development of reliable sources of information and effective time series for the monitoring of environmental changes has been prioritised by the Department of Science and Technology.
The South African Earth Observation Network (SAEON) launched the Ndlovu Node in Baphalaborwa this year. Others are to follow in a focused programme for the establishment of research and education platforms for long term ecological research. This will advance our understanding of ecosystems, and the ability to detect, predict and react to environmental change. These nodes are focusing on a number of scientific themes which vary from water, nutrient cycles, and biodiversity to climate and atmospheric changes, to mention a few.
Responding to the call made during the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, South Africa has strategically led and participated in a number of forums, like the Group on Earth Observation (GEO) to ensure that there is increased international collaboration to optimally harness and strengthen observation capabilities. This is expected to be achieved through the joint exploitation of technological resources by the global community to address observation gaps, share data and critically facilitate the delivery of information to users. A collaborative effort from African countries will ensure maximum benefit from programmes like the GEOSS and its Ten Year Implementation Plan.
For a country’s economy to adapt to emerging global dynamics, it must be knowledge driven. Hence, every country is encouraged to develop a sustainable critical mass of climate scientists to help grapple with the dynamics of climate change. All involved are urged to put in place the necessary measures to entice young scientists into this specialist field. We encourage emerging scientists to exploit the opportunities presented to them through relevant programmes run by various institutions, including my department’s learnerships on ecological informatics, early warning systems and disaster management.
A much neglected aspect of climate change understanding is the role that the continuing and pervasive poverty that afflicts more than a third of the people on this planet has on climate change, and the impacts that climate change will in turn have on the most marginalised in the global context. I hope that there is ongoing recognition that the ecological footprint of the poor is tiny compared to the massive consumption patterns of the developed world. This creates special obligations for the developed world to partner with the developing world to find sustainable solutions for the future. These solutions include scientific and technological partnerships that are exemplified by this conference, and which I hope will lead to better collaboration and exchange.
We sincerely hope that the science and technology community will intensify its research and development efforts to improve the quality of information required in making climate change decisions.
May I, in closing, thank and wish this conference success in its deliberations. Preserving this planet for posterity is an obligation we dare not ignore.
Thank you.
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
17 October 2005
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