Professor Guy Midgley from Stellenbosch University urges the South African government to implement preventative strategies against natural disasters linked to climate change. With severe weather warnings in place, he emphasizes the need for citizens to stay informed while advocating for governmental readiness and investment in weather services.
Professor Guy Midgley, the Director of the School for Climate Studies at Stellenbosch University, emphasizes the necessity for the South African government to adopt proactive measures in response to natural disasters and extreme weather phenomena resulting from climate change. This week, South Africa is expected to face severe weather conditions, with a level one warning for potential disruptive rains issued for Richards Bay in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Professor Midgley insists that citizens should remain vigilant regarding weather updates while the government must bolster its preparedness efforts. According to him, “It’s really the first signs of climate change really impacting on human society and the faster we learn the better we are going to build up the ability to adapt, tolerate and overcome these challenges. Investing in better weather services, more advanced warnings and more right things to prevent the bad things from happening, by closing roads, or getting supplies early enough and really moving people from dangerous zones. It is very scary and dangerous to human life. That means we needs people in those roles that really know what they are doing, you need a lot of expertise and you need to fund them very well.”
The issue of climate change and its ramifications has gained increasing attention globally, particularly in regions prone to extreme weather events. In South Africa, climate change is anticipated to exacerbate natural disasters, thus necessitating a shift towards a more preventative and preparation-focused approach. Academic experts like Professor Midgley advocate for the implementation of advanced warning systems, improved infrastructure, and enhanced governmental readiness to mitigate the risks associated with severe weather conditions. As climate patterns become more erratic, understanding and addressing the implications for human society is paramount for safeguarding lives and property.
In conclusion, the urgency for South Africa to engage in proactive measures against climate change-induced natural disasters is clear. With severe weather already affecting various regions, it is imperative that not only governmental agencies but also citizens remain alert and informed. Professor Midgley’s insights underline the importance of investment in disaster preparedness infrastructure and the integration of expertise in managing climate-related challenges. Implementing these measures will ultimately enable South Africa to better withstand the impacts of climate change.
Original Source: www.sabcnews.com
