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You are here: Projects & Activities : Climate Change and Calculating your Carbon Footprint
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Climate Change 

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Climate change is one of the most pressing environmental concerns. Climate change refers to the changes of the global climatic conditions over time globally or regionally. Climate change is not a new occurrence and has occurred several times in the history of the Earth over long spaces of time. Current climate change is due to large amounts of greenhouse gases (GHG) such as carbon dioxide (CO2) being released into the atmosphere by humans in a short time frame.

Rising temperatures will  have many possible impacts such as shifts in crop seasons affecting food security and changing the distribution of disease vectors thus putting more people at risk. Temperature increases will enhance rates of extinction for many species. Changing rainfall patterns will effect water resources which are already under pressure. Increasing sea levels mean greater risk of storm surge and wave damage to coastlines, particularly low-lying areas where there is destroyed natural vegetation.

These impacts will affect all facets of our society and will require a fundamental shift in the way we think and operate particularly in sectors such as urban planning, agriculture, catchment management and conservation. Through ecosystem supported approaches such as reforestation; the restoration of soil and water services; the creation of natural corridors, we can aid in mitigation and adaptation efforts. The Botanical Society through its partners support climate change mitigation and adaptation projects.
 
International Negotiations - COP 17 in South Africa
With the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Parties meeting for the second time in Africa since its inception, African governments are optimistic that their long time lobbying for finance for adaptation, mitigation, capacity building and technological transfer will finally be determined. The 17th Conference of the Parties (COP 17) / 7th Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP 7) will be held in Durban, South Africa from November 28 to December 9.

Links to COP 17: 

Other links:

Reducing your footprint:
Climate change mitigation is everybody’s responsibility. There are simple things that you can do in your daily lives to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases you emit. By calculating your carbon footprint, you can determine which priority areas you need address to make a significant change. Click here to calculate your carbon footprint.
If you live on a farm and grow fruit or make wine in SA, you on this website http://www.climatefruitandwine.co.za

Links on how you can reduce your carbon footprint:
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