There is now a strong consensus amongst scientific community that anthropogenic emissions of
greenhouse gases, which absorb and trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, is causing the global climate
to change at an unprecedented scale and speed. The observed warming of the atmosphere and ocean
over the last 50 years has taken the global temperature outside the range of natural variability as
simulated by climate models. The latest predictions suggest that, globally, temperatures could rise
between 1.1°C and 6.4°C by 2100. Regional variations can be even greater. The nature of climate
change is such that different regions in the world experience varied effects. Economically well-off
countries have the means to adapt to the effects of climate change, while much poorer countries do
not have the means to cushion themselves from such effects of climate change. Even in the context
of South Africa which itself is a Developing Country, relatively poorer provinces such as Limpopo are
more vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
South Africa is located in one of the three regions of the African continent that will most likely suffer
significant adverse impacts progressively warmer and drier summers, wetter and milder winters and
more frequent extreme weather, particularly heavy rainfall and heat waves.1
Limpopo Province is
already experiencing some changes to its climate and we should expect warmer wetter winters and
hotter, drier summers in the future. Extreme weather, such as heat waves and very heavy rainfall is
expected to become more frequent and intense. Very cold winters will still occur, though they will
become less frequent. In addition to the multiple pressures from poverty, inadequate housing and
poor access to services, this change in climate conditions will have an effect on Limpopo’s economy,
natural resources, and community livelihoods.
The Provincial Climate Change Strategy builds on the strong foundation of the Limpopo Development
Plan and the Green Economy Plan and identifies a range of priorities for Limpopo and sets out how
the province plan to work together in responding to climate change. The aims of this strategy are to:
i. articulate Limpopo’s shared vision for responding to climate;
ii. recognise and build on the strengths of the province to deliver on this vision;
iii. profile how Limpopo will proactively and positively respond to climate change;
iv. identify and understand the gaps that exist in the approach to climate change;
v. develop a common agenda for collaboration and partnership working; and
vi. promote long term, integrated planning across different sectors and organisations to better
manage our response to climate change in Limpopo.
The Strategy identifies measures needed to adapt to the climate change that is already happening and
that which will happen whatever we do from now on as well as key areas where provincial actions can
assist in both mitigating the impacts of climate change in energy, transport and resource efficiency. It
takes a broad view and will be accompanied by supporting action plans. The Strategy will be reviewed
and updated regularly in the light of changing circumstances and as prescribed in the Monitoring,
Reporting and Evaluation section that concludes this strategy. Its success is subject to strong and
improved governance as well as collaboration amongst all role players.