Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in BRICS Countries: Lessons From South Africa

Abstract

Climate change, along with hydrometeorological disasters, is a significant global issue impacting various aspects of society. The rising frequency and intensity of floods have led to droughts and extreme heat events. In recent years, countries like South Africa have experienced severe climate-related events, highlighting the importance of effective climate change management through localised strategies. Objective: The study's objective was to evaluate the effects of climate change on livelihoods and food security in BRICS countries, focusing on South Africa, and assess the climate change adaptation and mitigation measures implemented in response. A literature review of research papers was conducted on research papers. The keywords “climate change, livelihood, and food security” were searched in databases namely, Scopus, EBSCO, and ABI/Inform were utilised, along with online resources from IEEE, PubMed, Science Direct, and Bing. The use of platforms like Web of Science, and Google Scholar was instrumental in acquiring relevant data for the study. From the outcomes of the study, it is deduced that climate change affects livelihoods and food security in South Africa and therefore significant adaptation and mitigation strategies will act as leverage. In line with the study and for theoretical implications it is highlighted that climate change, is driven by human activities, and it alters the global energy balance and subsequently affects the climate for the practical implication of the study climate change practitioners can utilize it to address the escalating climate change crisis effectively and promptly.