Residents of Thembisa were allowed to learn more about climate change and how they can prepare for its potential impact during a workshop held at Rabasotho Community Hall on August 11.

The City of Ekurhuleni, in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Environment and the national Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, hosted the workshop as part of efforts to strengthen community preparedness.

The workshop, titled Development of Climate Change Adaptation Scenarios, focused on helping residents understand climate-related risks, including extreme heat and cold, and identify practical measures to reduce their impact.

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Climate change is expected to contribute to changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, flooding, droughts, wildfires and storms.

These conditions can place additional pressure on water and food resources, while also affecting biodiversity, agriculture and the wellbeing of communities.

Nelisiwe Mvuni, climate change specialist in the City of Ekurhuleni’s Community Services Department, Environmental Compliance and Climate Resilience Division, said the City had established adaptation goals and targets through its Climate Action Plan.

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“Our priorities are around adapting the city to climate hazards such as flooding, droughts, wildfires and storms,” Mvuni said.

She explained that climate adaptation requires a coordinated approach involving several sectors and systems, including biodiversity, agriculture, water resources and communities.

“These workshops prepare communities for a hotter, wetter climate or a drier, hotter climate. Such scenarios can bring challenges such as water and food scarcity,” she said.

The workshop formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community resilience by ensuring residents understand potential climate risks and the steps they can take to prepare for extreme weather conditions.

Residents were encouraged to familiarise themselves with the City’s climate change plans and strategies and to take practical steps to reduce their vulnerability to climate-related risks.

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The City’s Climate Action Plan and climate change strategy are available on its website under Environmental Reports.

Residents and organisations interested in participating in the Climate Change Forum Platform, which brings together stakeholders including non-governmental organisations, academics and government departments for updates and discussions, can contact Gerson Nethavhani, a control environmental officer responsible for climate change in the Gauteng Department of Environment.