The Effects of Climate Change Events on Durban’s Recreational Activities and Ultimately the Mental Health of Citizens

The vibrant East Coast city of Durban has faced many adversities due to climate change. With the increase of climate change occurrences such as heavy rains, there have been flood events that have led to the destruction of infrastructure.

 Another on-going challenge is the increase in temperatures. With all of this going on, it is only natural that citizens seek an escape through recreational activities. However, this has been difficult to do. Already, exposure to environmental crises can be traumatic. Furthermore, access to recreational activities has been restricted, removing a healthy coping mechanism. In this article, I explore how common recreational activities have been affected by environmental factors and the alternatives that can be explored, to ensure the prioritisation of the well-being of citizens.

The Closure of Beaches and Rivers

Many beaches, mainly in the South of Durban, have been closed due to unsafe water conditions. The water quality is affected by weather patterns and heavy rainfall increases E.coli levels due to excessive river contamination from pollution caused by the public and illegal sewer connections to the City’s storm water drains, which wash pollutants into the river and sea’ (Rall, 2024).

The unfortunate closure of beaches and rivers has robbed citizens of the opportunity to enjoy recreational activities. Citizens are unable to participate in water sports such as surfing and canoeing. This has affected tourism as well, as it is anaesthetic for visitors to see a polluted beach that they cannot enjoy.

Heatwaves and the Increase in Temperature

Despite Durban being a city known for its heavy rains the region experiences tropical weather conditions which come with warmer temperatures. Coined by locals, ‘the warmest place to be’, it lives beyond its name as recently temperatures have peaked as high as 31.4°C. Heat waves discourage any outdoor activities.

The high temperatures can be harmful to people's physical health. Exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, fainting and heat strokes. In extreme cases, it can also lead to death. As a result, citizens have become less enthusiastic to engage in outdoor recreational activities when the temperatures are high. 

The Impact on Recreational Activities and Mental Health

The surge in climate related disasters have resulted in more infrastructure damage. For example, in the event of a drought, it would inhibit sports grounds men from maintaining fields as multiple sporting codes use water to ensure the fields are in peak playing condition. In flooding events, erosion could destroy roads that allow citizens to travel to recreational arenas or even the fields could be damaged because of soil erosion. The damage to infrastructure disrupts the quality of recreational activities.

Experiencing an environmental crisis can negatively affect your mental health as it puts the brain under stress. However, participating in recreational activities can alleviate this stress and encourage you to build intrapersonal skills (Takiguchi et al., 2023). Physical activity has been found to reduce anxiety and depressive thoughts. The release of endorphins in the brain produces a euphoric state of mind. Participating in activities such as sports and culture serves as a healthy coping mechanism and encourages a healthy outlet of emotions.

Mitigation and Adaptation Actions

The eThekwini Municipality has developed the Durban Climate Change Strategy (DCCS) which highlights the city's initiatives to adapt and mitigate climate change-based events. An initiative that could help recreational activities is the Transformative River Management Programme (TRMP). This programme aims to protect rivers by enhancing flood protection and water supply.

The success of such an initiative would benefit water-based recreational activities, and the water supply can be used to maintain sports fields. To help mitigate the high temperatures, the city has also invested in developing urban forestry and green roofs. The DCCS emphasises plans to restore infrastructure and promote specifically green infrastructure.

Another approach would be to the decrease in natural recreational infrastructure is by promoting Electronic Sports. Electronic Sports, commonly known as E-sports, refers to digital games that can promote the same fun and competitive spirit of traditional sport but all in the safety and comfort of indoors. E-Sports are not limited to just endlessly staring at a screen. With the introduction of consoles such as Nintendo Wii and Xbox Kinect, E-sports encourage physical activity as well.

It is times like these that access to the internet becomes handy, especially weather conditions are unfavourable. It is safer that you stay at home and use the available resources. There are plenty of resources for at-home workouts for those who prefer physical activities. Though taking a jog on the beach front would be more relaxing and enjoyable, digital meditation and relaxation resources could assist in reducing negative thoughts. From a positive perspective, citizens could use the heat to their advantage and install solar panels. With the on-going national electrical crisis, using renewable energy sources can be a long-term benefit to homes.

 Conclusion

Climate change has had a great impact on not only the environmental and economic aspects but also the social aspects. As part of the social aspect, recreational activities have suffered a great deal. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, flooding and pollution have restricted access to outdoor recreational spaces, amplifying mental health issues.

The damage to infrastructure has limited access to sporting facilities as well. While the city is taking steps to mitigate these impacts through the Durban Climate Change Strategy, it is ideal that the community and the municipality collaborate to address this growing threat.

Additionally, utilising digital resources and promoting E-Sports. Beyond by doing so, we can help preserve the city's unique natural beauty and ensure that its recreational activities continue to thrive. Finding alternative activities and prioritising mental health is just as important to the livelihood of citizens.

References

• Ethekwini Municipality (no date) Implementation Framework of the Durban Climate Change Strategy. Ethekwini Municipality. Available at: https://www.durban.gov.za/pages/residents/climate-change-strategy (Accessed: 13 March 2025).
• Rall, S. A. (2024) ‘Ethekwini Municipality comes clean on what leads to closure of Durban beaches’, Independent Online. Available at: https://www.iol.co.za/news/environment/ethekwini-municipality-comes-clean-on-what-leads-to-closure-of-durban-beaches-22c5eb08-7118-4f78-8144-f81e286ad8c5 (Accessed: 11 March 2025).
• Takiguchi, Y., Matsui, M., Kikutani, M. and Ebina, K. (2023) ‘The relationship between leisure activities and mental health: The impact of resilience and COVID-19’, Applied Psychology: Health and Well-being. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9538683/ (Accessed: 11 March 2025).
• Weather in Durban. Daily temperature and precipitation. March 2025 (no date) Weather and climate monitoring in USA, Canada, Australia and the World. Available at: https://www.weatherandclimate.info/monitor/68588 (Accessed: 13 March 2025).
• Bloomberg (no date) ‘Durban sewage pollutes beaches, threatens South African tourism and economy’, Bloomberg. Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-12-15/durban-s-sewage-polluted-beaches-threaten-south-african-tourism-and-economy (Accessed: 13 March 2025).

Written By: Naledi Msomi

Edited By: Takudzwa Taruza