The Western Cape has developed the Western Cape Climate Change Response Strategy (2014). This builds on the Western Cape Climate Change Response Strategy and Action Plan (2008) and the Status Quo, Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment of the Physical and Socio-Economic Effects of Climate Change in the Western Cape (2005). There have also been detailed studies on specific sectors such as the Status Quo Review of Climate Change and the Agriculture Sector of the Western Cape Province (2015) and the Western Cape Sea Level Rise and Flooding Risk Assessment Program.

There are many institutions in place that are addressing climate change issues in the province. These include the Climate Change Adaptation Work Group and the Sustainable Resource Management Work Group.

There has been some access to climate financing, however the Climate Change Strategy highlights the need for mainstreaming climate change into decision making at all levels of society.

Key Climate Change Response Issues

The table below is a summary of the key climate change adaptation response options for the Western Cape.

  

Adaptation Category	Adaptation Responses
Water Security and Efficiency	Invasive alien vegetation clearing; Prioritisation, valuation, mapping, protection, and restoration of ecological infrastructure in catchments; Effective utilisation of irrigation water; Resource nexus 18 decision support; Develop ecosystem goods and services (EGS) investment opportunities.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Goods and Services	Prioritisation, valuation, mapping, protection, and restoration of ecological infrastructure; Landscape initiatives/biodiversity corridors and identification of requirements for climate change adaptation corridors; Biodiversity stewardship; Mainstreaming of conservation planning into decision making.
Coastal and Estuary Management	Establishment of coastal hazard overlay zones and setback lines; Research best practice regarding responding to repeated coastal inundation in high risk areas; Protecting and rehabilitating existing dune fields as coastal buffers / ecological infrastructure; Monitor possible linkages between climate change and fisheries industry; Ensure Estuary Management Plans take cognisance of climate change.
Food Security	Farming practices that are in harmony with nature, i.e. ‘conservation farming’; Climate smart agriculture; Agricultural water technologies that reduce consumption and increase efficiency; Research on climate resilient and alternative crops and livestock applicable to the Western Cape; Addressing climate vulnerability through the Municipal Support Programme; Assessing food security in the context of the resource nexus.
Managing the effects of increased temperature on human lives	Societal adaptation to human health impacts from temperature increases associated with climate change.
Healthy Communities	Monitoring health trends in relation to climate trends; Research linkages between human health and climate change in the WC context. These include: Air quality, Water quality, Food security, Heat stress, Disease vectors

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Provincial Statistics

The Western Cape lies on the southernmost tip of South Africa and is bordered by the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape provinces. It represents 11% (129,462 square kilometres) of the country's total land area, and is the fourth largest province, after the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and the Free State Provinces (Statistics South Africa 2016). The Western Cape is rich in biodiversity and is home to the globally recognised Cape Floristic Region biodiversity hotspot (Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2013).

The Western Cape is divided into one Metropolitan Municipality: The City of Cape Town and five district municipalities: Central Karoo, Eden, Overberg, Cape Winelands and West Coast (Figure 2). With a population of 6,279,730, the Western Cape represents 11.2% of the national population (StatsSA, 2015). The 2.5% population growth rate in the province is attributed to the positive economic growth rate and the resulting migration from other provinces and countries (Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2013). This positive growth does however place further pressure on the environment.

Climate Science

The mid-latitudes located province has a mild Mediterranean climate due to it being the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans resulting in cold Benguela and warmer Agulhas current interactions. The province has been identified as being vulnerable to climate change, particularly in areas towards the west of the province (Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2013). Climate shifts observed over the past five decades include temperature increases, higher maximum and minimum mean temperatures, and an increase in the number of hot days. Recent climate-related extreme events experienced in the province include torrential rains causing flash floods which are the most common hazard linked to direct economic losses in excess of R5 billion. Hailstorms have also resulted in large significant losses in agriculture, affecting crop yield and income in turn leading to job losses which impact the poor. Drought periods have also had extreme impacts in the Karoo and southern Cape affecting water supply which has various impacts. These extreme events are expected to increase in frequency and intensity placing pressure on land, impacting on food security, poverty, urbanisation and biodiversity issues in the province (Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2013). 

The Western Cape is the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans where the warmer Agulhas current flows westwards along the southern coast and the cold Benguela current runs up the west coast (Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2013). The interaction between these currents and the province’s location in the mid-latitudes, results in a mild Mediterranean climate (Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2013).

The Western Cape is expected to be among the provinces worst hit by climate change. Climate change projections for the Western Cape indicate an increased warming trend coupled with drought, increased summer rainfall and longer time periods between extreme rainfall events (Western Cape Government: Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2014). These projections increase the risk profile of the province which is at present vulnerable to drought, fires and floods particularly in areas towards the west of the province (Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2013). Extreme events such as heat waves, storm surges , fires, and intense flood events are expected to increase in frequency and intensity. 

Agriculture and Food Security

The agricultural sector in the Western Cape Province is responsible for 20% of South Africa’s agricultural production and an estimated 55%-60% of the country’s agricultural exports (Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2013; Western Cape Government: Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2014). Current and projected climate change impacts in the Western Cape pose a major threat to agriculture, particularly the wine sector, deciduous fruit industries and dryland agriculture (Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2013). The greatest threats of climate change to the agricultural sector are linked to crop yield and favourable growth conditions for seasonal crops; insufficient water for irrigation; the distribution and intensity of crop pest species; as well as the spread of diseases and propagation of weeds. Climate change could have a significant impact on market prices, and profit for the sector which will likely impact on food security. (Western Cape Government Agriculture et al. 2015).

Some crops could however become more suitable for production due to regional climate shifts. The Western Cape Climate Change Adaptation Strategy has therefore recognised the need for climate smart agriculture which focusses on building the resilience of farmers and improving livelihoods through poverty reduction (Western Cape Government: Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2014).

Natural Resources and Biodiversity

The Western Cape Province is rich in biodiversity, containing five of South Africa’s biomes, namely: Forest; Fynbos; Nama Karoo; Succulent Karoo; and Albany Thicket (Figure 3) within its boundaries. The Western Cape is also home to the Cape Floristic Region which has been classified as a global biodiversity hotspot and was given World Heritage Status by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) (Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2013; Western Cape Government: Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2014). The Cape Floristic Region which includes the Fynbos and Succulent Karoo biomes, is the world’s smallest floral kingdom, yet, it has the highest plant biodiversity and contains 68% of the country’s threatened species (Western Cape Government: Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2014).

The province is also home to unique animal species, many of which are dependent on the survival of the vegetation in the area. The freshwater fish in the Western Cape Province are particularly diverse and the province has the highest number of threatened and endemic freshwater fish species in South Africa (Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2013).

Biodiversity is a critical component of the Western Cape Province’s economy and livelihoods as it forms the basis of the fishing industry, provides land cover that supports commercial and subsistence farming, supports endemic and indigenous species that contribute to the agriculture and horticulture industry, and yields indigenous resources that are used for commercial and non-commercial medicinal purposes (Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2013).

The biodiversity of the Western Cape is under threat from the invasion of alien species, overexploitation of natural resources, and pollution which are all likely to be exacerbated by the changing climate (Western Cape Government: Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2014).

Under "worst-case scenario" assumptions, species losses in the province are estimated to be as high as 30%, as the change in climate is likely to be quicker than the natural adaptive rate/capacity of many species and systems (Midgley et al. 2005).

Health

The population in the Western Cape is characterised by high incidences of HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis, high rates of unemployment, and continuously increasing informal settlements (Western Cape Government: Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2014). Thereby, making many vulnerable to climate-induced hazards such as drought, floods, high winds, cold snaps and heat waves. Health impacts caused by these events include communicable diseases, heat stress, and the expansion of vector-borne diseases (Western Cape Government: Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2014). Droughts and flood events will also affect water availability and quality, increasing water contamination and disease risk.

Human Settlements

The Western Cape has a high rate of immigration which places pressure on the delivery of basic services and on the ability of the natural environment to cope with change (Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2013). The province’s high levels of poverty and inequality results in more people becoming dependent on ecological goods and services which can lead to increases in environmental degradation and pollution (Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2013).

Climate change impacts are likely to affect human settlements in both urban and rural areas in the province, with damage to infrastructure predicted. Informal settlements are particularly vulnerable to climate change related events such as floods, drought, winds, and fires because of their location in flood prone areas, use of inferior building materials, close proximity to one another and inadequate road access for emergency vehicles (Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2013; Western Cape Government: Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2014).

The Western Cape prioritises Critical Infrastructure, Human Settlements and Integrated Waste Management in its climate change strategy (Western Cape Government: Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2014). This involves identifying critical infrastructure at risk of climate related hazards, and to develop risk reduction and adaptation plans to secure these critical infrastructure hotpots.

Water

The Western Cape is situated within three of six hydrological zones in South Africa, namely: the Breede-Gouritz-Berg, Mzimvubu to Tsitsikamma, and a portion of the lower Orange Hydrological Zones (Figure 4). Surface water originating from rivers and dams is the primary source of water in the Western Cape. Surface water resources in the province are managed by the Western Cape Water Supply System which in turn supplies water to the City of Cape town as well as surrounding urban centres and agricultural areas (Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2013).

Water resources in the Western Cape are already stressed due to the region's strong seasonal Mediterranean climate, coupled with demand which exceeds water availability (Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2013). Pressure and demand on the province's water resources is expected to increase over time since climate change projections indicate that temperatures will rise and rainfall might decrease (Western Cape Government: Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2014).

An increase in the frequency of drought will further reduce the availability of water in the province mostly affecting water intensive activities, particularly agriculture, livestock farming and mining (Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2013).

Policy and Institutional Environment

Policies and Strategies

The Western Cape's Climate Change Response Strategy was finalised in 2014. This strategy was developed and builds upon the 2008 Climate Change Response Strategy and action plan. The updated version contains responses and priority planning areas focusing on both climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The Western Cape Climate Change Response Strategy, 2014: This new Strategy is aligned to the National Climate Change Response White Paper (2011) underlining its aim to strategically direct and mainstream climate change actions and related issues throughout relevant Provincial agendas.(Western Cape Government: Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2014).In line with the National Climate Change Response Policy, the Strategy takes a two-pronged approach to addressing climate change:

• Mitigation: Contribute to national and global efforts to significantly reduce GHG emissions and build a sustainable low carbon economy, which simultaneously addresses the need for economic growth, job creation and improving socio-economic conditions 
• Adaptation: Reduce climate vulnerability and develop the adaptive capacity of the Western Cape’s economy, its people, its ecosystems and its critical infrastructure in a manner that simultaneously addresses the province’s socio-economic and environmental goals. 

The strategy outlines envisaged climate change adaptation outcomes for the province as follows: 

In order to give effect to these outcomes, the strategy prioritises the following actions:

• Recognition and prioritisation of scaled and unprecedented climate response mechanisms as an integral component of provincial transversal growth and development programmes 
• Institutionalisation of and mainstreaming climate change response into government and other stakeholder structures, strategic plans and action plans 
• Ongoing collaborative research in order to: 
• monitor changing conditions and provide and improve implementable local climate solutions 
• develop innovative ways, funding mechanisms and partnerships to effectively and proactively respond to changing climatic conditions 
• better understand the complexities inherent in these conditions 
• Select Focus Areas the Strategy will be implemented with an initial focus on select areas supported by cross-cutting programmes and partnerships.

The select focus areas identified in the Strategy including both mitigation and adaptation selected based on the urgency of action required are:

• Energy Efficiency and Demand-Side Management 
• Renewable Energy 
• The Built Environment, including Critical Infrastructure, Human Settlements and Integrated Waste Management 
• Sustainable Transport 
• Water Security and Efficiency 
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Goods and Services 
• Coastal and Estuary Management 
• Food Security 
• Healthy Communities

Other strategies and programs which have been developed or implemented, and have a climate change component have been included in this section:


OneCape 2040: Attempts to stimulate a transition towards a more inclusive and resilient economic future for the Western Cape region. Seeks to set a common direction to guide planning and action and promote common commitment and accountability in responding to climate change (Western Cape Government: Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2014).

Green is Smart - Western Cape Green Economy Strategy Framework: sets out an agenda for how the Western Cape can become a global pioneer in the green economy and the leading green economic hub of the African continent. The framework is designed to shift the Western Cape economy from its current carbon intensive and resource wasteful path with high levels of poverty to one that is smarter, greener, more competitive and more equal and inclusive (Western Cape Government: Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2014). The Western Cape Climate Change Strategy informed the development of the Green Economy Strategy and efforts were made to ensure alignment and prevent duplication. The following climate related priority areas identified in the Green Economy Strategy Framework include: Sustainable labour intensive farming; Farming practices that are in harmony with nature; and, Water technologies that reduce consumption and increase efficiency (Western Cape Government: Environmental Affairs and Development Planning 2014).

Climate Change Response Framework for Agriculture: The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCG: Agriculture), Farmers and agri-businesses in the province are implementing responses to existing climate risks and some are starting to respond to climate change. Under the leadership of the University of Cape Town’s African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI), a consortium is developing a provincial climate change response framework and implementation plan for the agricultural sector. The Western Cape is currently finalising a Climate Change and Agriculture Response Framework and Implementation Plan which sets out to:

• Provide a time-specific strategic roadmap to a climate-resilient agricultural sector 
• Provide spatially explicit, commodity-specific and scale-sensitive implementation pathways for specific climate risks that are practical and effective 
• Promote opportunities for the sector through climate change adaptation and mitigation 
• Inspire farmers and agri-business to optimise decision making for a resilient and sustainable future in the face of complex and uncertain changes 
• Strengthen the enabling environment for autonomous (farmer-led) and planned (government-led) responses 
• Facilitate a more integrated, co-ordinated and co-operative response through strong multi-stakeholder partnerships, networks and knowledge sharing 
• Mobilise and direct new investments in agriculture in support of adaptation and mitigation (Western Cape Government Agriculture et al. 2015).

Programmes 

The emerging climate change response finance options which have been identified in the Western Cape include: grants for research and development cooperation; commercial finance through debt and equity, concessionary finance, risk insurance, specialised environmental funds, and new capital market innovations, such as green and climate bonds. These options may be extended by integrating financing for biodiversity and other environmental resources, such as payment for ecosystem goods and services.

Some of the funders for climate change adaptation and mitigation projects listed in the Annual Report for Cape Nature (CNAR, 2014), particularly for nature and environment conservation and related programmes include the following:

• Department of Environmental Affairs: Environmental Protection and Infrastructure Programmes 
• Table Mountain Fund: Greater Cederberg Biodiversity Corridor (GCBC) Small Grants 
• Nedbank Green Trust: Catchment management 
• National Treasury 
• British High Commission

However, according to provincial stakeholders, at a climate change workshop held on the 19 April 2016, the main source of finance for climate change has been from the Western Cape Provincial budget and stakeholders identified the following constraints to accessing additional finance for climate change:

• The application process for funding and the management of funding requires considerable human resources and considering the limited staff available applications for funding are often not practical or possible. 
• Many funds require co-financing which is often not possible to secure. 
• No funds to upscale successful pilot projects.