Raising awareness about weather and climate change

The Sibongmusa Senior Citizens non-profit organisation (NPO) recently invited the Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) to do a presentation on climate change and weather awareness.

The team was led by Thabani Gambu, Noloyiso Walingo and Mbali Gogge, while the presentation itself was handled by Thabani. To break the ice, he read a scripture from Genesis 2:15 (“The Lord took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it”) and said that, as human beings, we are the stewards of God’s garden. He reminded those present what ‘climate’ is and substantiated that, “Climate in South Africa is currently in the period known as La Nina, which impacts the global climate and disrupts normal weather patterns, which leads to intense storms. It is transiting to El Nino, which could lead to increased warmer temperatures and lower rainfall.’’
It was further said that because of the climate change issue, our country has developed Sustainable Development Goals. Goal number 13 says ‘take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact’. This is because climate change has a negative impact on agriculture, which is the source of life for all living organisms. The crucial component in the management of climate change is to educate and motivate all people to take action to reduce the impact of climate change.
Thabani’s advice was to avoid areas that are prone to natural disasters, minimise activities that trigger soil erosion, and control the latter where it is already happening. Lastly, he said that people should harvest as much water as they can and store it in tanks.

He then opened the floor for questions, and those listening commented on what he had told them during his enlightening presentation.
Chairperson Miss Mazibuko extended a vote of thanks on behalf of everybody who attended the awareness campaign.

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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.