Economic impacts of climate change in South Africa: a preliminary analysis of unmitigated damage costs (Winkler, H. et al.)

Schlagwörter: Südafrika, Klimawandel, Landwirtschaft, Wirtschaft, Tourismus, Gesundheit, Wasser, Flüsse, Ökosystem

Keywords: South Africa, Climate Change, Agriculture, Economy, Tourism, Health, Water, Rivers, Ecosystem

Weblinks:

https://open.uct.ac.za/handle/11427/16707?show=full
http://www.eldis.org/go/home&id=11760&type=Document#.V9RMcBKfdqA

Abstract:

This paper attempts to provide preliminary estimates based on secondary data from the findings of the Vulnerability and Adaptation Study for the South African Country Study on Climate Change (1999). The impacts on natural, agricultural, human-made and human capital are addressed using the change in production approach. This study aimed to provide a preliminary desktop estimate of the economic impacts of climate change in South Africa, based on the findings of the Vulnerability and Adaptation Study for the South African Country Study on Climate Change (1999). Damages are those predicted for 2050 and are valued in year 2000 rands, unless otherwise stated. Predicted impacts from this study include changes in terrestrial and marine ecosystems which will have profound impacts on agriculture, forestry, rangelands and fisheries, as well as on biodiversity.

In addition, changes in hydrology may have immense consequences in terms of human health by increasing suitable habitat for waterborne diseases, as well as affecting water supply and the maintenance of ecosystem functioning. Prediction of the economic impacts of climate change is particularly difficult because of the global scale of the impacts and the long time horizon involved. Such studies have mostly been carried out in developed countries, and often only concentrate on market impacts such as agriculture. Impacts are typically divided into market and non-market impacts, with ecosystem and health damages relegated to the latter category, but this study recognises that all impacts have their basis in changes to natural systems, and that all types of impacts have both market and non-market components.

Created Date: 06-10-2016
Last Updated Date: 06-10-2016
License: Link only