Book Chapters

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Browsing Book Chapters by browse.metadata.impactarea "Climate and Air quality modelling"

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    Air quality and health
    (Health Systems Trust, 2024-02) John, Juanette; Perumal, Sarisha; Mlambo, Mfundo; Naidoo, Mogesh; Ndlovu, Noluthando; Padarath, Ashnie
    Exposure to polluted air causes millions of premature deaths each year and can lead to health risks such as reduced lung growth and function, respiratory infections and aggravated asthma. Many deaths related to air pollution occur in Asia and Africa and poor air quality places an additional burden on the health.
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    Environmental challenges to meeting sustainable development goals in Southern Africa
    (Springer, 2024-01) Mutanga, Shingirirai S; Skhosana, Felix; Mateyisi, Mohau; Thenga, Humbelani F; Naidoo, Sasha; Ramoelo, A; Nangombe, Shingirai S; Lumsden, Trevor G; Von Maltitz, GP; Midgley, GF; Veitch, J; Brümmer, C; Rötte, RP; Viehberg, FA; Veste, M
    There is an inextricable link between ecosystem integrity and the potential for achieving sustainable development goals (SDG). This chapter highlights key ecosystem threats and their drivers within the southern African regional context to emphasize the role of earth system science in supporting the achievement of regional sustainable development goals. It describes how some major anthropogenic threats have unfolded in terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems of the region. Earth system science is increasingly contributing to understanding how globally driven climate and environmental changes threaten these ecosystems, and in turn how these impact people’s livelihoods. Long-term changes in rainfall variability, concomitant disruption of hydrological balances, impacts on ocean chemistry, together with more immediate impacts on the frequency and magnitude of extreme climate events are some of the critical global change drivers. While terrestrial ecosystems are already faced with encroachment by novel species, characterized by the proliferation of both invasive alien and endemic woody species, freshwater and marine ecosystems appear more immediately threatened by more local impacts, such as the accumulation of contaminants. Overall, predicted climate and environmental changes are projected to hamper development trajectories and poverty reduction efforts, and possibly exacerbate adverse impacts on human livelihoods.
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    The climate change landscape for rural Southern Africa
    (Springer Nature, 2024-12) Mateyisi, Mohau J; Nangombe, SS; Maoela, MA; Chenzi, V; Matsa, M; Chapungu, L; Nhamo, G
    This chapter examines the landscape of climate change in rural Southern Africa (African land south of the equator), especially the climate characteristics in connection with rural livelihood patterns. The main challenge that propelled this study is the need for more literature on climate change focusing on rural Southern Africa. This knowledge gap not only complicates our understanding of how climate change affects the region and how rural populations adapt to these changes but also hampers the development of effective adaptation strategies. Within this chapter, attention is directed towards five distinct climate patterns in Southern Africa. South-East Africa, Central Africa, West Southern Africa, East Southern Africa and Madagascar. Although these regions boast varying biodiversity, environmental concerns, temperatures and rainfall patterns, each exhibits distinct impacts of climate change with the same probability of amplifying vulnerabilities among their respective populations. The study highlights that with projected changes in temperature and precipitation patterns in these regions, resilience efforts should pay attention to the vulnerabilities that are characteristic of rural areas. By analysing established trends and anticipated climate change patterns, research lays the foundations for assessing risk and vulnerability, paving the way for adaptation strategies that can support the livelihoods and economic activities of rural Southern Africa.