Sheltering coast from climate crisis

More than 12.9 million people live within 20km of the sea, and 60% of the economy depends on coastal infrastructure and natural resources

- Sheree Bega

Rising sea levels, an increase in storm frequency and intensity and the related rise in the damage and loss to coastal infrastructure, livelihoods and natural resources are the tangible effects of climate change in South Africa’s coastal zone.

This is according to the inaugural Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan for South Africa’s Coastal Sector (Carp) unveiled by Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dion George last week, which aims to shield the country’s coastal assets from the effects of climate change.

“Storms like the one that hit the South African South Coast on 16/17 September 2023 are causing flood damage to buildings, infrastructure and private property,” the plan says.

“The observed increase in frequency of these storms is accelerating the economic damage caused and decreasing the resilience ... of natural environments, economies and livelihoods and local government entities.”

The country’s coastal municipalities are already under pressure, exposed not only to dangers originating from the ocean such as storm surge and sea level rise-related flooding and erosion, but also to the universal climate hazards experienced in the country, including drought, rainfall-related flooding, extreme temperatures and veld fires.

The coastal sector must embrace a combination of structural, natural and community-based approaches to build resilience and adaptive capacity, and protect vulnerable communities, while ensuring long-term sustainability in the face of evolving climate disasters, according to the report.

About 22%, or 12.9 million people, of the country’s total population of 60 million live within 20km of the oceans’ coasts, 60% of them in densely populated metropolitan areas.

Meanwhile, 95% of South Africa’s imports and exports arrive and depart on ships, making about 60% of the economy dependent on coastal natural resources and trade infrastructure such as ports.