One can agree that climate change brought about a myriad of issues, particularly among small-scale fishers, one of the marginalised and vulnerable groups in South Africa and globally.

Dada Morero, the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, proposed a ground-breaking plan to plant 200 000 trees at the 2nd African Forum on Urban Forests, held in Johannesburg from March 18–21, 2025; with the goal of improving urban greening and fostering healthier communities. 

Children are the least responsible for climate change yet will bear the greatest burden of its impacts. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) already estimates that in recent years, the approximately 20,000 children a day worldwide have been displaced by floods and storms exacerbated by climate change.

Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present and escalating challenge, affecting global ecosystems, societies, and human health. South Africa is experiencing the brunt of these changes more acutely than many regions due to its geographical location, socioeconomic inequalities, and pre-existing health burdens.

For many years, agriculture has been the backbone of South Africa's economy, providing food, job creation, and economic stability. Historically, the agriculture industry faced many difficulties, most notably during the Apartheid era when South Africa faced global sanctions that affected the economy. Exporting fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables to the global community was one of the country's main contributors to economic growth, and when the sanctions hit, the agriculture industry was never the same.

When we look at South Africa and its economic and social state, we examine the current affairs of what the people can afford and what the country can sustain in parallel to what the nation hopes to align itself towards in terms of goals and aspirations.

Borno State, located in the Lake Chad region, has long struggled with harsh climatic conditions, including desertification and extreme heat. For more than a decade, insecurity caused by insurgency further exacerbated these environmental challenges, as deforestation and climate action took a backseat to survival and displacement.

Now that Earth Day 2025 has passed on April 22, it is an ideal moment to reflect on an extraordinary journey. A journey led by Africa’s youth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

At its core, the greenhouse effect is at the root of the Earth's complex and sensitive climate. This is a naturally occurring process indigenous to life on Earth that helps to keep its temperature suitable for living. Lacking it, the planet would be a cold, unfriendly environment for many known species.

Forests are the lungs of our planet, absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and providing shelter for countless species. Yet, deforestation continues at an alarming rate, driven by agriculture, logging, and infrastructure expansion.

Malawi, one of Southern Africa’s most vulnerable countries to climate change, is increasingly facing the devastating impacts of extreme weather events, particularly floods and droughts. Located in South-East Africa and bordered by Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia, Malawi is a small landlocked country of 118 484 km2 (of which 22 762 km2 is covered by the lake) and stretches 900 km from north to south.

The term “sustainable urban planning” can be defined as “a holistic approach to developing and managing cities that prioritises long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability.” The concept is holistic in the sense that it attempts to model cities for the future, considering a multitude of different targets.