The ACDI is a university-wide initiative at the University of Cape Town which supports collaborative research and training in climate change and development.
ACDI researchers Dr Romaric C. Odoulami and Prof Mark New and colleagues recently published research on SRM in the Cape Town context. The research shows that artificially dimming the sun by injecting reflective particles into the upper atmosphere could help reduce the likelihood of “Day Zero” level droughts in Cape Town - by as much as 90%.
The challenge of defining African energy futures gains complexity as local politics interact with geopolitical powers and global climate change concerns. The AU-EU strategy focuses on ‘innovation for green transitions’, while European companies continue to dominate African fossil fuel markets. The Chinese strategy to decarbonise their domestic markets encouraged Chinese coal industries to build abroad. How can African societies define their own energy futures without turning into ‘living sustainability labs’ or stepping into debt traps set out by foreign actors?
Providing concise and comparable information on G20 countries’ mitigation, financing, adaptation and opportunities for improvement regarding climate change, the Climate Transparency Report for 2020 was released on 18 November. South Africa’s contribution was compiled by the University of Cape Town’s (UCT’s) Energy Systems Research Group (ESRG).
Energy poverty is a major challenge in South Africa. Many of the 1.25 million households in informal settlements rely on burning paraffin or wood to cook and provide light and warmth in their homes. Not only do these methods of energy production create health and safety hazards, but they also limit the economic and educational opportunities of the people – most commonly women and children – living in these settlements.