Durban - As KwaZulu-Natal gears up to host the United Nations Conference on Climate Change, the province continues to face noticeable changes in climate trends.
MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development Lydia Johnson outlined some of the trends during her presentation at the KZN Pre-Cop17 Summit.
It has been observed that the north-eastern parts of the province, over the KZN Midlands and the south coast are getting warmer, while wetting trends are occurring over the region, especially during February.
Johnson said KZN has the highest flood hazard in South Africa, with the KZN south coast the most exposed and vulnerable area.
The increase in extreme weather events is already affecting the province's people and economy negatively.
"An increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme events is expected and this will exacerbate the situation," she added.
There have been measurable changes in sea level rise in the province and the effect thereof has already started to manifest itself through coastal erosion.
"A continuation of the existing situation and the added effects of potential climate change is a high risk for the province. The sea level rise in Durban has been 2.7mm/year in 33 years," said Johnson.
The experience of coastal damage in the Ballito Bay area in 2007 was used as an example to illustrate the severity of the problem. There were unprecedented levels of coastal erosion and associated property damage due to tidal surges and storm events during March of that year.
"If the warming of ocean water were to continue unabated, the polar icecaps will melt and the sea level will rise. The consequence of a small sea level rise in KZN will alter the coast line."
Johnson explained that climate projections for KwaZulu-Natal indicated continued warming and changes in precipitation patterns.
"Slightly warmer temperatures have led to a reduction in maize and wheat yields. The drier part of KZN is used for grazing by cattle, sheep and wildlife," she said.
The MEC explained that higher carbon dioxide will lead to less protein in the grass, which will reduce any benefit resulting from increased plant growth.
Less rainfall would also lead to proportionately less animal production. The forestry industry could be impacted by a decrease in rainfall.
The prevalence of dry arid conditions, both in the northern regions and upper midlands in KZN, lends itself to outbreaks of fires, especially during the winter periods.
"The fires that are being experienced are a burden to the economy, health; environment and the ecosystems," said Johnson.
But the MEC urged everyone to practise means that reduce sources of greenhouse gases.
"Change in lifestyles can go a long way to manage the impacts of climate change. It is known that job opportunities can be generated through greening our activities even more than from the conventional working structure, for instance, [in] new industries for the manufacturing of renewable energy equipment and platforms," said Johnson. - BuaNews
