Floods in KZN made twice as likely due to greenhouse gases globally: UN scientist

A United Nations (UN) scientist says the devastating floods that hit the greater Durban area in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in April and May were made twice more likely because of the current levels of greenhouse gas emissions globally, which is driving climate change.

Doctor Debra Roberts is the co-chairperson of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s work group on climate adaptation. Dr Roberts also leads the eThekwini municipality’s unit for a sustainable and resilient city.

The floods which were declared a national disaster, caused damage worth billions of rands, left thousands of people homeless, and claimed 461 lives.

Speaking at a symposium of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Roberts advised that the city needs to adapt to the effects of climate change.

“So, mitigation, ambition mitigation, leaving those fossil fuels in the ground, is the surest way to reduce climate change impacts. But we can build resilience into our urban fabrics. And ensuring that we have those natural areas in our cities, that we’re protecting those flood plains that we don’t develop in them, is absolutely vital. Protecting those ecosystems that take the peak off floods is absolutely critical. And building resilience by providing basic services.”

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