Speaking at the opening of a national conference on climate change under way in Midrand this week, Adam unveiled a new framework for a research and development (R&D) strategy on climate change in South Africa.
He said that the framework was structured around the dual themes of biophysical results of climate changes, including mitigation and adaptation responses to the phenomenon, and international political processes and agreements.
On the biophysical side, the framework incorporates research into the science of climate systems and climate change, which will include modelling and systems analysis, data collection and storage, long-term monitoring and systematic observation, as well as studies on the effects of climate change on ecological patterns and socioeconomic systems.
Adam said that the Department of Science and Technology (DS&T) plans to workshop the framework with a small group of experts and commission focused studies on the research themes, before developing a final R&D strategy.
Minister of Science and Technology Mosibudi Mangena said that the a lack of a coherent approach on climate change has led to uncertainty.
He said that that research was needed in quantifying climate system 'forcing', interactions and feedbacks, as well as projections of global and regional climate changes and their socioeconomic effects.
He added that there is a need for policymakers to understand the methods used to quantify projections.
Adam cautioned that, as the international climate-regulation regime continues to tighten over the next few years, developing countries would come under increasing pressure to reduce emissions without compromising socioeconomic development.
He said that, while research suggests the effects of climate change on South Africa might be limited, certain sectors would need to adapt quickly, particularly minerals and metals producers and the energy industry.
Adaptation must take priority
Also at the conference, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Martinus van Schalkwyk called for developing nations to develop and implement an informed and adaptive approach to climate change, if serious socioeconomic setbacks are to be avoided.
He said that there was a need to stir up global determination and called for a worldwide climate-change awareness campaign However, Van Schalkwyk said that there was also a need to recognise the consequences that mitigating the effects of climate change may hold for countries reliant on high-emission exports.
He complained that adaptation science had not received the amount of attention or funding that has been given to alleviation of the causes of climate change.
He said that, apart from diversifying the economy away from emission-heavy industries, climate change will require adaptation in all spheres of life, including health sciences and the provision of basic services.
“We must say to the developed world that, until they take adaptation seriously, it will be difficult to involve the developing world in mitigation strategies,” Van Schalkwyk said.
Africa's agriculture sector, and small-scale farmers in particular, will need to adapt to changes in climate, he said.
“We will need more resistant crops and animal varieties, more sustainable land-management practices, and better support for farmers."
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
