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The State of Climate Change Science and Technology in South Africa

Climate change is increasingly under the spotlight. This report seeks to provide where we are in terms of climate change research capacity and outputs.

Over the next 30 years the western parts of South Africa are expected to be hotter and drier; there will be more extreme weather, droughts and floods; and there will be increased pressure to move the energy mix in South Africa away from its current high dependence on fossil fuel. This according to the State of Climate Change Science and Technology in South Africa report complied by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), commissioned by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

 The report aims to:

  • provide a critical assessment and comparative overview of climate change scientific research and related technological innovations;
  • identify any gaps or barriers in research and technology development value chains; and
  • suggest ways to improve the current situation and maximise opportunities for South Africa.

ASSAf was responsible for analysing data and conducting interviews with stakeholders to ascertain the scale of climate change research undertaken, how much organisations were spending on climate change research, who is doing the research, what are the number of projects etc. The findings of the report highlight that our researchers focusing on climate change are productive in terms of output, and that the climate change research community is growing.

When questioned as to whether we are doing enough in terms of climate change research, ASSAf Chair and GCI Distinguished Professor, Bob Scholes, is positive: “It is difficult to state in absolute terms if enough research is being conducted. What we typically do is benchmark against other countries such as the USA, Norway etc. In terms of benchmarking we are doing well and can be considered on par. We produce about a third of the research on climate change as it relates to Southern Africa which is a good figure.”

The report highlights the following:

  • Climate change research outputs have increased by 16% per annum from 131 per annum in 2005 to 596 per annum in 2015;
  • The number of research collaborating countries increased from 40 in 2006 to 135 in 2015;
  • Many South African scientists serve in leadership positions in international climate change research and assessment bodies;
  • Strong links among climate change researchers at various higher education institutions and between the university community, science councils and local and national government;
  • Linkages with the private sector are relatively weak;
  • Over the past decade there has been a 12% growth in terms of funding climate change-related research and technology development in South Africa. Two-thirds of this funding is dedicated to research while the rest goes toward technology development; and
  • Climate change research and technology development expenditure amounts to about 1,7% of the total South African research expenditure, which is high for a developing country.

While the report is positive to a large extent, there is room for improvement. The report outlines various recommendation such as: 

  • Ensure inclusion of critical information in future biennial reports in order to provide a comprehensive and consistent ongoing assessment of the status of climate science and technology research in South Africa.
  • Build on South Africa’s research advantages in climate change science, using cross-sectoral, interdisciplinary, inter-institutional and international partnerships where appropriate to steer the R&ST portfolio in greater alignment with perceived needs.
  • Fully use the opportunities for South African researchers and technology developers to access international funding sources.
  • Provide financial and diplomatic support to South African scientists involved in high-level international assessment and research bodies and committees.
  • Provide high-level, cross-departmental support for open research, including open data.
  • Strengthen links between research and business communities.
  • Take steps to enable more effective interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research, in particular by more effective engagement of social sciences.
  • Strengthen research collaborations in climate change science and technology with African countries.

This is the first report submitted to cabinet. A second report is expected in March 2019.

To read the full report, click on the link. 

 

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