How 4 Vulnerable South African Communities Struggle with Climate Change: Key Changes Needed for a Sustainable Future

Climate change isn’t a new topic. Over the years, global temperatures have steadily climbed due to global warming. This is evident in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, where four low-income communities grapple with severe weather—droughts, heatwaves, hailstorms, floods, and wildfires. Environmental scientist Sithabile Hlahla found that these communities struggle to cope with such climate-related disasters.

We spoke with residents from France, Swapo, Willowfontein, and Mpophomeni. These households often have five members or more. Pietermaritzburg, as the capital of KwaZulu-Natal province, faces rising urban poverty and unemployment. The area has suffered from severe flooding repeatedly over recent years.

The impact of climate change on local agriculture has been significant. Families used to grow crops like maize, beans, and spinach in their backyards, both for food and income. However, erratic weather patterns have diminished their harvests, forcing many to buy food instead. This has driven up prices, making it more challenging for families to put food on the table.

“We can’t plant anymore, and that’s a big problem because food is expensive.”

Illnesses also surfaced among community members, attributed to worsening climate conditions. Many reported skin ailments, flu, headaches, and chronic issues like diabetes. In Willowfontein, a long-lasting drought left families with limited water access, relying only on a weekly water truck.

The strategies residents use to cope are often short-term and inadequate. Some tried to grow more crops and invest in fertilizers, but many struggled to store enough water during dry spells. When extreme heat or cold hit, they tended to stay indoors, using fans or heaters.

Many households depend on social welfare grants from the government, which provide limited financial support, often needing to stretch assistance to cover multiple family members. These grants range from R560 to R2,335 (US$31 to US$131) per month and are insufficient to lift families out of poverty.

Community members often rely on local government resources or support from neighbors and relatives. Interestingly, they found more assistance from neighbors than from distant relatives. The unemployed rural relatives were often in need as well, further straining the finances of those living in urban areas.

Shockingly, fewer than half of the people we interviewed had viable coping strategies. Many felt overwhelmed and helpless about climate change, treating it as a natural occurrence beyond their control.

The path forward is critical. Many community members said they feel marginalized by local government and don’t trust them to help resolve climate issues. Successful climate adaptation requires sustainable, community-driven projects that connect poverty alleviation with climate response efforts. Examples might include recycling initiatives or organic farming that could bring in better income. Planting indigenous trees could also create jobs and support reforestation.

The climate crisis in South Africa requires collective action involving community members, NGOs, and the government. Knowledge about climate change and its impacts must reach everyone. Recent studies show that building social networks within communities can significantly improve responses to climate risks. Empowering communities through education and resource access is crucial for combating the ongoing challenges posed by climate change.

For more information, you can explore resources from trusted sources such as [Climate.gov](https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-global-temperature) and research studies from [ScienceDirect](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212096324001025). These efforts are essential to ensure that vulnerable communities adapt and thrive amid changing climate realities.

Source link