Letters to the Editor (May 2004)

Abstract

CLIMATE CHANGE D r G Ziervogel from the University of Cape Town writes: As researchers working on impacts of and adaptation to climate change, we would like to register apprehension over Professor Alexanders article Climate Change: there is no need for concern. A number of key sectors in South Africa, including agriculture, water and energy, are projected to experience significant impacts, even with the most conservative estimates of climatic change. Considering that even small regional changes could result in dramatic impacts, our focus needs to be on building adaptive capacity so that future climate variability and change can be managed in a sustainable manner that does not result in any negative effects of climate change. We are excited at governments commitment in this area, and look forward to improving the involvement of the science community in supporting appropriate decisionmaking and responses through rigorous research. Gina Ziervogel Emma Archer Peter Johnston Disaster Mitigation for Sustainable Livelihoods Programme (DiMP), University of Cape Town.

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