Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change in Urban South Africa

Abstract

While social and economic considerations are key concerns driving development in South Africa, successful sustainable development cannot occur without understanding the potential implications of how the climate and environment are changing. With a growing number of people migrating to and residing in urban areas it is becoming ever more pressing that urban vulnerabilities and climate adaptation be understood in light of development challenges. The purpose of this chapter is to track the progress made to date with regards to vulnerability assessments, adaptation planning and adaptation implementation in urban areas in South Africa. Although climate adaptation is relatively new on the policy and practice agenda, initiatives have been developing rapidly. This chapter reviews the work in the context of South African urban areas and highlights the potential gaps in knowledge. It provides an overview of the urban response to climate change in a developing world context where a growing urban population and the need for increased development place an already significant degree of pressure on the environment as a resource subject to change.