Temperatures have been rising dramatically in recent years around the world and scientists are now pointing to July as the hottest month ever recorded globally. With South Africa warming at twice the global average rate, climate experts caution that urgent action is required to change the course of ongoing climate change.
According to ERA5 data from the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the first three weeks of July have been the warmest three-week period on record, and the month is on track to be the hottest July and the hottest month on record.
This month’s average global temperature is projected to be 1.3-1.7°C above the average July temperature before humans began warming the planet by burning fossil fuels – hotter than the previous record, July 2019, by 0.2°C – meaning it is now virtually certain that July will set a new global temperature record.
These temperatures have been related to heatwaves in large parts of North America, Asia and Europe, which along with wildfires in countries including Canada and Greece, have had major impacts on people’s health, the environment and economies.
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Farmers need to be proactive
Andrea Campher, Agri SA’s risk and disaster manager, said although July was recorded as the hottest month globally, back home in South Africa, we are currently in the winter season.
“So the sector did not expect any hot conditions but the Western Cape did expect good rainfall for their planting season and colder temperatures were recorded in the interior parts of the country but nothing is below average,” she said.
The South Africa Weather Service has reported that the country is moving into El Niño state, which, according to the latest predictions, is expected to persist through most of the summer months later this year.
Anticipated impacts such as below-normal rainfall may be experienced, however, it cannot be confirmed at this stage.
“We encourage farmers to be aware of reports issued by the SAWS but also be proactive to ensure that your farming practices are resilient enough to resist any harsh weather occurrences associated with El Niño,” Campher added.
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Whose responsibility is it?
Glen Tyler-Davies, South African team lead for 350Africa.org, said the developing El Niño and climate change pose a significant risk for sub-Saharan Africa. This is where El Niño has traditionally had devastating effects, with memories of the devastation caused in 2016 still visible.
“High temperatures and possible drought in the region could impact food production and security, pushing millions into hunger and starvation.
“When considered within the context of other factors, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and its impact on the global food supply, this spells a dire situation for much of sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.
Tyler-Davies said there is an urgent call to action. “We all have a responsibility to change our behaviour and hold leadership accountable so that we change the course of ongoing climate change – there is still time for action, but the window to act is fast narrowing.”
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Time to take action
Professor at the the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental, Tafadzwa Mabhaudi said the devastating news about the most recent indicators of climate breakdown should shock Mzansi into solidarity and action.
“We know that South Africa is warming at twice the global average rate. Our country is already beset with immense challenges such as poverty, unemployment, gender-based violence and inequality,” Lukuko said.
Climate change, he added, exacerbates every single one of these challenges and is a human rights issue first and foremost.
“A sound and full response offers us the opportunity to improve our society and ensure a planet suitable for life.”
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