She highlighted the challenges scientists face in monitoring and forecasting weather patterns.
Ngwenya explained that the growing instability in global weather systems has made it harder to predict future conditions accurately.
In recent weeks, SA has experienced extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall that has caused widespread damage. In KwaZulu-Natal province, flooding has devastated infrastructure, from roads to bridges, and many homes have been destroyed. Tragically, several people have lost their lives, and others remain missing. These unexpected weather conditions are a clear indication of the growing impact of climate change, Ngwenya noted.
She pointed to last year’s El Niño, which led to a prolonged drought, as an example of how climate systems are becoming harder to predict. Now, during autumn, SA is experiencing heavy rains, which were not expected for this time of year. Ngwenya explained that this shift is part of a wider pattern of erratic weather, which is increasingly difficult to track and forecast with precision.
The warming of global temperatures,Ngwenya added, is contributing significantly to these unpredictable weather patterns. As ocean temperatures rise, storms become more intense, resulting in destructive floods and cyclones, such as the recent Cyclone Judy that struck Mozambique and Malawi. These changes are part of a broader global trend, with melting glaciers and rising sea levels reaching record levels in 2024.
Ngwenya also raised concerns about the United States’ withdrawal from the global climate pact, which threatens the availability of funding for climate mitigation. She stressed the importance of SA building stronger partnerships with the private sector and local financial institutions to support the transition to renewable energy.
In addition, Ngwenya called for urgent action to protect communities living in flood-prone areas. She pointed out the need for affordable and resilient housing, along with effective evacuation plans, to ensure people’s safety and reduce the risk of further loss of life due to flooding and mudslides.
--ChannelAfrica--
