As the current holder of the G20 Presidency, South Africa is leading global efforts for ocean sustainability, particularly focusing on advancing sustainable ocean initiatives in Africa.
The country is hosting the 14th International Conference on Southern Hemisphere Meteorology and Oceanography (ICSHMO), which is currently underway in Cape Town.
This premier scientific gathering, being held in Africa for the first time since 1997, brings together renowned meteorologists, oceanographers, and climate scientists to address the unique atmospheric and oceanic challenges of the southern hemisphere.
The five-day event, which kicked off on Monday, is hosted by the National Research Foundation (NRF) through the South African Environmental Observation Network, with support from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).
The conference shows South Africa’s growing influence in global climate science.
Opening the conference, the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, emphasised the urgent need for scientific collaboration to combat the escalating threats of climate change.
“The world is experiencing intensified heatwaves, prolonged droughts, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events that disrupt economies, displace communities, and strain infrastructure,” the department said.
South Africa has witnessed the devastating impact of climate change in repeated floods and recurring droughts.
These events highlight the pressing need for enhanced climate prediction, risk management, and adaptation strategies, all key topics at ICSHMO 2025.
The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of turning scientific knowledge into tangible, actionable solutions.
Through the NRF, the country continues to support cutting-edge research in marine and coastal science, weather forecasting, and climate adaptation, to inform global policy and action.
Gina welcomed the integration of ICSHMO with the Ocean20 initiative, a flagship programme introduced under Brazil’s G20 Presidency, which is designed to promote sustainable ocean governance, and reiterated South Africa’s commitment to leveraging science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development.
The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of equitable access to artificial intelligence, big data and remote sensing technologies, which were transforming climate science, enabling more accurate forecasting, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness.
Collaboration and knowledge-sharing were key to building a more stable and resilient global future, especially for nations that were most vulnerable to climate change.
A group of learners from Luhlaza and Usasazo high schools in Khayelitsha attended the conference and had a special interaction with Gina on the benefits of science for society.
During the opening session, Kenya’s representative for the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Patricia Nying’uro, highlighted the critical role of indigenous knowledge in promoting sustainability. She stated that the extensive knowledge accumulated by indigenous communities over centuries should be utilized to enhance climate action efforts.
NRF CEO, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, said the conference would provide a vital platform for advancing scientific collaboration, sharing cutting-edge research, and addressing the pressing challenges of climate variability and change in the southern hemisphere.
“The insights and discussions over the next few days will undoubtedly contribute to shaping policies and strategies that enhance climate resilience in our region and beyond,” he stated. – SAnews.gov.za
