Global warming affects many South Africans, as hot and cold extremes have increased by twice the global average of 0.7 Celsius. Rainfall seasonality has changed while intensity has increased. This is according to the Greenpeace Foundation.

FREQUENT HEAT WAVES 

Heat waves are more frequent, and dry spells last longer. Crop yields are decreasing, and livestock losses have become more frequent. Food insecurity and food prices have increased, while vector- and waterborne diseases have grown in frequency and intensity.

WEATHER-RELATED DISASTERS

Since 1980, there have been 86 weather-related disasters, which have affected more than 22 million people and have cost more than R113 billion in losses. In 2018, Cape Town almost became the first major city in the world to run out of water. In the first half of 2021, all provinces experienced flooding. Without action, the climate breakdown in South Africa will cause the extinction of countless species, destroy some of the country's most precious ecosystems, and devastate human livelihoods. According to the ND-Index, South Africa ranks 96 out of the 182 assessed under the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative, which ranks countries according to their vulnerability to climate change and their preparedness to enhance resilience. The ND-Gain Index indicates that South Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change.