SANBI marks International Day of Climate Action with new climate change fact sheets, turning science into action

As the world observes International Day of Climate Action, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is drawing attention to the realities of climate change in South Africa through the recently launched sub-national climate change fact sheets. These were developed in partnership with the Global Change Institute at Wits University (WITS–GCI) and supported by the Government of Flanders.

Officially launched on 30 September 2025, these fact sheets make complex climate data accessible, offering practical insights to guide provinces and municipalities in building resilience and planning for a rapidly changing climate.

According to the United Nations, every person on the planet is affected by climate change in some form. Human activities, especially the burning of coal, oil, and gas, are driving record increases in greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in more frequent and severe droughts, floods, storms, and rising sea levels. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed that 2024 was the hottest year on record, at about 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels, with an 80% chance that one of the next five years will be even hotter.

South Africa is on the frontline of climate change, and the impacts are already evident. From the deadly floods in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal in April 2022, which claimed over 500 lives, to the recent Mthatha floods in June 2025, vulnerable communities continue to bear the brunt of extreme weather events. Experts warn that floods, droughts, and heatwaves are likely to become even more severe and frequent in the coming years, affecting the country across all sectors  while adaptation options remain limited due to inadequate means of implementation. This raises a critical question: what efforts can South Africa take to respond to and prepare for the inevitable climate risks?

The newly released sub-national climate change fact sheets, which include all provinces and district municipalities, provide part of that answer. They highlight both observed and projected changes across the country. South Africa is already experiencing  the effects of climate change, with all provinces expected to face more extreme weather in the years ahead. In Gauteng, temperatures are rising, and heavy rains are becoming more frequent. Limpopo is likely to get hotter and drier, increasing the risk of drought. KwaZulu-Natal may see more rain in the short term, but less in the long run. The Free State and Mpumalanga are showing signs of higher heat and longer dry periods, while the Northern Cape and Western Cape are expected to have less rainfall and more severe droughts. These changes show that every part of the country will need to prepare for more intense weather patterns affecting communities, nature, and the economy.

By translating credible scientific data into easy-to-understand insights, the fact sheets are helping to bridge the gap between climate science and local action, empowering municipalities,  and provincial planners to prepare for the future. Importantly, civil society organisations, NGOs, and communities can also use these fact sheets to support awareness, advocacy, and local adaptation initiatives. 

“These fact sheets represent the first foundational step in adaptation planning, focusing on climate hazards, and should be interpreted as such,” said both Prof Francois Engelbrecht Director: WITS-GCI, and Dr Mandy Barnett, Chief Director: Adaptation Policy and Resourcing, SANBI) during the launch webinar. “More detailed risk and vulnerability assessments will be needed, a process that will require further engagement to contextualize them.” Both institutions expressed their commitment to continuing their work with partners, to expand and improve future versions of these fact sheets. 

As the world unites under the banner of International Day of Climate Action, SANBI reaffirms its commitment to advancing research, partnerships, and knowledge that support climate adaptation and sustainable development, ensuring that South Africa’s response to climate change is informed, inclusive, and grounded in science.

The fact sheets have been made publicly available and can be accessed for free via the DOI https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16962181

 or via the SANBI website: Partners& Resources - Climate Change Resources   

Partners & Resources- Climate Change Resources

For more information or if you want to provide feedback on the fact sheets, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Global climate context adapted from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Climate Change portal https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/climate-change/