Fun run to raise awareness about climate change
The impact of climate change continues to affect communities around the world as weather conditions become more extreme, sea levels rise and wild animals are forced to migrate. South Africa is not immune to these changes, and will soon have to tackle these challenges head on.
The recent drought in the Western Cape and floods in Durban are just some examples of the recent extreme changes in weather patterns. Nor have South Africa's neighbours been spared, with Mozambique having experienced two cyclones already this year.
According to research, the earth's temperature has increased by 1°C above pre-industrial levels due to extreme carbon emissions being trapped in the earth's atmosphere. Last year's Special Report on Global Warming by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that, if global heating continues to advance at the current rate, this increase is likely to reach 1,5°C between 2030 and 2052.
Addressing the issue of climate change begins with changing human behaviour. The Department of Science and Technology's flagship science engagement event, National Science Week (NSW) 2019, has embraced the theme, "Facing the harsh realities of climate change'', as a call to the public to act to protect the planet.
To kickstart NSW 2019, which will be launched in Kimberley this year, the Department has partnered with Sol Plaatje University and the Northern Cape Government to host a fun run on Saturday, 20 July, to raise awareness about the impact of climate change on society.
The fun run will be followed a week later by the official launch of NSW 2019, which will take place at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley on Saturday, 27 July.
Register online here. Members of the public will also have the opportunity to receive free health screenings on site.
Date: Saturday, 20 July 2019
Time: 06:00 for 07:00
Venue: Sol Plaatje University Central Campus Sports Field
