The study has investigated the relationship between climate-change adaptation and the role of sense-of-place on people’s decisions regarding relocation, using Soweto-On-Sea and Veeplaas as case studies. The adoption of social science methods in the investigation led to the development of indicators, which themselves were derived from theories, which explained the building blocks of sense-of-place. These indicators: place attachment, place identity and place dependence, helped explain the connection people have with home, and how these connections are influenced and affected by interactions that take place in Soweto-on-Sea and Veeplaas. The fixed-mixed methodology, along with purposive-quota sampling, provided the means of investigating climate-change adaptation and sense-of-place in Soweto-on-Sea and Veeplaas. The three indicators were used in conjunction with a six-point ranking system, which was used to analyse the findings. The ranking system measured the degree of connection people have with home. A noticeable pattern between length-of-stay, and a very strong connection, could be recognised. A gradual increase in the degree of connection to home was recognised; as younger members of the two communities scored more moderately; and the oldest members (willing to sacrifice for a place, ranking five) scored highly. A strong interplay between the indicators could be observed; and thus, a single indicator on its own could not properly explain sense-of-place; but interactions between the two theories allowed for greater understanding. The youngest members of the two communities scored lower; because their connection was based on practical issues, access to schools, police stations, cheaper public transport and a sense-of-safety; as the members in the communities knew one another. Those residents who scored high on the ranking system had a much stronger bond, which went beyond practicality; as various interactions contributed to their sense-of-place. Sense-of-place contributes significantly to people’s decisions regarding relocation; and thus, fundamental benefits in incorporating a study of sense-of-place in climate-change adaptation would allow for greater understanding, and lead to improved ways of protecting people in areas at risk.

South Africa generates more than 90 percent of its total energy capacity through non-renewable sources. With coal forming the predominant energy source, South Africa became the leading carbon emissive nation in Africa, emitting 450 million tonnes of CO2 in 2011. In an international effort to restrict global average temperature rise to 2° C above the average prior the industrial revolution, the Kyoto Protocol has been extended for another 8-year commitment period. This is complementary to an expected resolution of a new legally binding climate change policy in 2015. This policy will aim to introduce financial penalties for nations failing to meet ascribed GHG emission targets by 2020. In an attempt to meet these climate change resolutions South Africa will research and develop cleaner, alternative forms of energy, including hydro, wind, and biomass forms of renewable energy, in addition to designating stringent building regulations for the Incorporation of solar energy. These measures form part of an Integrated evelopment Plan that aims to generate a target of 10,000 GWh of renewable energy in 2013. South Africa is also investigating the possibilities of extracting its shale gas reserves and implementing it as a major energy source. This energy mix has given little attention to geothermal energy. The reasons for this omission appears to be the lack of active volcanism and previous research that suggests South Africa, largely underlain by the Kaapvaal Craton, has a relatively low heat Flow profile, deemed insufficient for harnessing geothermal energy.

MEnvSC / Department of Zoology

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Numerous studies indicate that the agricultural sector is physically and economically vulnerable to climate change. In order to determine possible impacts of projected future climates on the financial vulnerability of selective farming systems in South Africa, a case study methodology was applied. The integrated modelling framework consists of four modules, viz.: climate change impact modelling, dynamic linear programming (DLP) modelling, modelling interphases and financial vulnerability assessment modelling. Empirically downscaled climate data from five global climate models (GCMs) served as base for the integrated modelling. The APSIM crop model was applied to determine the impact of projected climates on crop yield for certain crops in the study. In order to determine the impact of projected climates on crops for which there are no crop models available, a unique modelling technique, Critical Crop Climate Threshold (CCCT) modelling, was developed and applied to model the impact of projected climate change on yield and quality of agricultural produce. Climate change impact modelling also takes into account the projected changes in irrigation water availability (ACRU hydrological model) and crop irrigation requirements (SAPWAT3 model) as a result of projected climate change. The model produces a set of valuable results, viz. projected changes in crop yield and quality, projected changes in availability of irrigation water, projected changes in crop irrigation needs, optimal combination of farming activities to maximize net cash flow, and a set of financial criteria to determine economic viability and financial feasibility of the farming system. A set of financial criteria; i.e. internal rate of return (IRR), net present value (NPV), cash flow ratio, highest debt ratio, and highest debt have been employed to measure the impact of climate change on the financial vulnerability of farming systems. Adaptation strategies to lessen the impact of climate change were identified for each case study through expert group discussions, and included in the integrated modelling as alternative options in the DLP model. This aims at addressing the gap in climate change research, i.e. integrated economic modelling at farm level; thereby making a contribution to integrated climate change modelling. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die fisiese sowel as ekonomiese kwesbaarheid van die landbousektor as gevolg van klimaatverandering word deur verskeie studies beklemtoon. ‘n Gevallestudie-benadering is gebruik ten einde die potensiële impak van klimaatsverandering op die finansiële kwesbaarheid van verskillende boerderystelsels te bepaal. Die geïntegreerde klimaatsveranderingmodel bestaan uit vier modelleringsmodules, naamlik: klimaatsverandering, dinamiese liniêre programmering (DLP), interfases en finansiële-kwesbaarheidsontleding. Empiries afgeskaalde klimatologiese data van vyf verskillende klimaatmodelle dien as basis vir die geïntegreerde klimaatsveranderingmodel. Die APSIM gewas-model word aangewend om die impak van klimaatsverandering op gewasse-opbrengs te bepaal. Vir sekere gewasse is daar egter nie modelle beskikbaaar nie en het gevolglik die ontwikkeling van ‘n nuwe model genoodsaak. Die Kritiese Gewasse Klimaatsdrempelwaarde (KGKD) modelleringstegniek is ontwikkel ten einde die impak van klimaatsverandering op die opbrengs en kwaliteit van gewasse te kwantifiseer. Die geïntegreerde klimaatsveranderingmodel neem ook die verwagte verandering in besproeiingswaterbeskikbaarheid (ACRU-hidrologiemodel) en gewas-besproeiingsbehoeftes (SAPWAT3-model) as gevolg van klimaatsverandering in ag. Die model lewer waardevolle resultate op, naamlik: geprojekteerde veranderinge in gewasse-opbrengs en -kwaliteit, geprojekteerde verandering in beskikbaarheid van besproeiingswater en gewasse-besproeiingsbehoeftes, die optimale kombinering van boerdery-aktiwiteite om netto kontantvloei te maksimeer, asook ‘n stel finansiële resultate wat die impak van klimaatsverandering kwantifiseer. Die finansiële kriteria sluit in: interne opbrengskoers, netto huidige waarde, kontanvloeiverhouding, hoogste skuldverhouding en hoogste skuldvlak. Deur middel van deskundige-groepbesprekings is aanpassingstrategieë vir elk van die gevallestudies geïdentifiseer en by die geïntegreerde model ingesluit as alternatiewe opsies in die DLP-model. Die studie poog om die gaping in die huidige klimaatsveranderingnavorsing met betekking tot ‘n geïntegreerde ekonomiese model op plaasvlak aan te spreek en sodoende ‘n bydrae tot geïntegreerde klimaatveranderingmodellering te maak.

Thesis (MSc. (Geography)) -- University of Limpopo, 2018 / In spite of the widespread scientific debate on the impacts of climate variability, not much is known about smallholder farmers’ perceptions towards climate variability and the impacts thereof on their agricultural practices. This is especially true for smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa in general and South Africa in particular. Literature contends that an understanding of the farmers’ perceptions of climate change and variability is indispensable for effective policy formulations and adaptive strategies. This current study posits that discrepancies between farmer perceptions and climatological evidence will negatively impact on farmer adaptation options and outcomes. The objectives of the study were to; (1) assess climate variability in Molemole Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, (2) investigate farmers’ perceptions of climate variability, (3) compare farmers’ perceptions of climate variability with climatological data and (4) appraise farmers’ adaptive strategies to climate variability. A total of 125 farmers from Botlokwa Village participated in the study. The village was selected because it is the largest village in the municipality and it comprises mainly of rural farmers that are involved in rain-fed subsistence agriculture. In addition, the village receives limited government intervention and is in close proximity to a functional climate station (Polokwane Airport Weather Station). Based on purposive sampling, focus group discussions and a three-part closed ended questionnaire was administered to the farmers. Mean annual temperature and rainfall data (30 years) was used to assess climate variability in the study area. Farmers’ perceptions to climate variability was assessed using descriptive statistics based on summary counts of the responses with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) program. Logistic regression analysis was used to compare differences in perception (mean responses). Comparison of farmers’ perceptions of climate variability against climatological evidence was restricted to mean annual temperature and rainfall data over the past 5 – 10 years). To appraise farmers’ adaptive strategies, the Adaptation Strategy Index (ASI) and the Weighted Average Index (WAI) were employed. vi Farmers’ perceptions of climate variability were consistent with recorded meteorological data. Based on the ASI and WAI computations, use of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) and crop management approaches were highly important adaptation strategies while the use of insurance and subsidies were least employed by the farmers. The results from the study also showed that the age of the household head, gender, level of education, farming experience and access to information on climate variability were crucial factors in influencing the likelihood of farmers to perceive climate variability. Given the overwhelming dependence on IKS for weather forecast, and adaptation to climate variability, it is recommended that IKS take centre stage in government initiatives and policies on climate change and variability, especially for smallholder farmers in rural settings. Sensitisation on the use of technology such as cellular phones to receive weather forecast is also recommended.

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is the only mechanism available for use by developing nations. It is there for highly important for the inclusion of these developing nations in the climate change regime. A consideration on the early implementation of the CDM in South Africa and China, being two countries with many similarities and differences and vastly different successes, provides important lessons on how to approach the climate change regime. Certain barriers exist purely due to the nature of countries in which the CDM applies as well as other barriers found within the CDM project life cycle and development. Through the comparison these barriers are explored and areas for development within South Africa are noted as well as weakness with the current climate change regime particularly the Kyoto Protocol. / Thesis (LL.M.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.

Government policy development and implementation is often designed to address different sectors of society in isolation, so social, economic and environmental issues are considered as being distinct from one other. Recently it has been acknowledged that 'working in silos' is not conducive for good governance and so efforts have been made for better co-ordination between different government departments and different spheres of government. Our research findings show the knock on effects of one problem into other areas of people's lives, highlighting why it is vital for policies and programmes to be far better co-ordinated. The different challenges and stresses that people face in their lives interact with one another in complex ways, undermining their capacity to cope with and adapt to future changes, such as those expected under climate change.

Climate change has become a major concern globally and it clearly exerts a profound influence on the lives of poor rural populations who depend on agriculture for livelihoods.Generally, agriculture is more at risk from weather, pests and diseases than is industry or trade. Furthermore, many farming units are at low levels of development with little technological input in their production systems. This makes them vulnerable to any exposure to climate and environmental variation, given that there is little capacity for the system to adjust to change. Most at risk are the rural poor with low levels of development and limited ability to adapt to and overcome the effects of climate change. Using data from a sample survey of 120 households this study attempts to assess and compare indicators of vulnerability to climate change. The comparison was made at household level between three typical villages, an inland, a river catchment and a coastal village. This idea of comparison arises from the general understanding that different variables affect different regions differently so that the impact of and vulnerability to climate change differs across regions, areas and populations. The data was obtained using a questionnaire that was administered through face-to-face interviews. Given that sensitivity and adaptive capacity of farming systems to climate change is shaped by both socioeconomic and institutional factors, a multiple regression model was used to test the relationship between indicators of vulnerability and household socioeconomic and institutional characteristics. Indicators were selected based on significant statistical relationships. This means that the statistical procedure for selecting indicators involved relating a large number of variables to vulnerability in order to identify statistically significant factors. The results showed reliability of income and reliability of water resources to be good indicators of vulnerability. Many statistically significant variables as well as respective R2 of 0.988 and 0.825 confirm the foregoing. Another indicator was the Simpson index that measures diversification of agricultural production. The results show that vulnerability to climate change was highest for the households near the river and lowest for the inland village. Moreover, the results confirmed that most blacks that are practicing agriculture receive little if any support largely because available resources are highly skewed towards certain farmers rather than others.

Climate change, a reality, a myth, a conspiracy, remains a point of research and concern, specifically with regards to the impact it has on human health. Reports concerning climate change are accepted by many but are also rejected by prominent figures of society and powerful enterprises flourishing in the race for economic development. Yet all living organisms on Earth are dependent on its natural resources and delicate balance of co-existence. A disruption of ecological balance will bring about changes to biomes and niches. These changes will affect disease patterns and well-being for all. Vulnerable groups will be most affected. If these changes have occurred and continue to occur what provision should be made to reduce population vulnerability? What investment should be made to public healthcare to assist vulnerable population groups and improve adaptability? This study was conducted with the aide of the South African Red Cross Society in three large South African provinces, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Kwa-Zulu Natal, each known for its rich diverse ecologies and tropical to sub-tropical climates. The study aimed to determine the level of awareness amongst the healthcare workers with emphasis on education. The participants were counsellors working closely with the National Department of Health and local clinics. A total of 101 participants completed a close-ended questionnaire. The results indicated a strong workforce of young people with post-matric qualifications and strong views. Qualitative research was used with descriptive statistics to analyse and describe the data collected. It was, therefore, recommended that investment be made into this growing workforce in healthcare, as well as healthcare as a whole, since climate change, as documented, will threaten food security and water availability, see altered diseases patterns including emerging and re-emergence of infectious diseases and cardiovascular concerns brought on by heat stress. Funding must support education and training to strengthen awareness and preparedness so as to empower this workforce so that they may assist local populations to better adapt to the changes, become more resilient and, thereby, reduce their vulnerability and risk / Health Studies / M.Sc. (Life Sciences)

Thesis (MScAgric)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: During Holocene times a considerable deposit of barn owl pellet material accumulated in the Hot Pot Cave at De Hoop Nature Reserve on the southern coast of the Western Cape Province, South Africa. An excavation of this accumulation has yielded information on barn owl prey species over the past some two millennia. Four distinct layers were excavated and radiocarbon-dated to AD 381, AD 615, AD 991 and AD 1417. The micromammalian cranial contents of these layers were compared to material from two pellet collections that represent modem bam owl predation at De Hoop (AD 2000). Comparisons were made from three perspectives: (1) physical size measurements of certain cranial parameters, (2) micromammal community species composition and (3) community structure indices, such as the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Simpson's diversity index and the species equitability index. By extrapolating from known ecological distribution information of the relevant prey species, these data were used to recreate the local climate at the time of the accumulation of the layers. The results were compared to other palaeoclimate models for the region as a test of validity. It was found that the lower two layers of the sequence represented mild conditions with possibly more grass than in recent times, while the upper layers represented cool weather with a possible increase in scrub. AD 381 was found to be somewhat dry and mild, AD 615 to be the wettest level and possibly milder than AD 381, AD 991 to be the coolest of all the levels and dryest of the ancient levels, AD 1417 to be somewhat cool and probably drier than AD 615, but wetter than AD 381, and AD 2000 to be the mildest and dryest of all levels, with the artificial influence of nearby agricultural activities evident. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Tydens die Holoseen tydperk het 'n relatief groot hoeveelheid nonnietjie-uil bolusmateriaal versamel in Hot Pot Grot in die De Hoop Natuurreservaat aan die Wes-Kaapse suidkus, Suid- Afrika. Opgrawings van hierdie bolusversameling het waardevolle en insiggewende inligting aandie lig gebring rakende nonnetjie-uil prooi tydens ongeveer die afgelope tweeduisend jaar. Vier defnitiewe lae is opgegrawe en deur radiodatering is die lae se datums vasgestelop 381, 615, 991 en 1417 n.e. Deur gebruik te maak van kraniale kriteria. is die mikrosoogdier inhoud van die opgrawings vergelyk met dié van twee bolusversamelings wat die huidige uilprooi (2000 n.Ci) in De Hoop verteenwoordig. Die vergelykings is op drie maniere getref: (1) fisiese grootternates van sekere kraniale parameters, (2) species-samestelling van die mikrosoogdiergemeenskap en (3) gemeenskap-struktuur indekse nl. die Shannon-Wiener diversiteitsindeks, Simpson se diversiteitsindeks en die species-gelykheid indeks. Deur ekstrapolasie vanaf bekende ekologiese verspreidingsinligting rakende die betrokke species, is hierdie data gebruik om die klimaat van daardie tydperke te herskep op 'n streeksbasis en vergelyk met ander paleoklimaat-modelle om die geldigheid daarvan te beproef. Die resultate het getoon dat die onderste (oudste) twee lae warmer toestande met moontlik meer gras verteenwoordig, terwyl die boonste twee lae koeler weer met moontlik meer bosse verteenwoordig. Daar is verder gevind dat 381 n.e. redelik droog en warm was, 615 n.e. die natste laag en moontlik warmer as 381 n.e., 991 n.e. die koudste van al die lae en droogste van die grot-lae, 1417 n.e. redelik koel en moontlik droëer as 615 n.e., maar natter as 381 n.e., en 2000 n.C. die warmste en droogste van al die lae, met kunsmatige invloed van nabygeleë landbou aktiwiteite.