Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs, Dr Dion George.
NRF CEO, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo.
NRF Deputy CEO, Dr Angus Paterson.
SAEON Managing Director, Dr Mary-Jane Bopape.
Local Organizing Committee Chair, Prof. Juliet Hermes.
Science Committee Chair, Prof. Thando Ndarana.
Representatives of different Government Departments, Entities, Universities, NGOs and NPOs.
The private Sector.
Distinguished guests.
Ladies and gentlemen.
We are excited as the Ministry and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation that the International Conference on Southern Hemisphere Meteorology and Oceanography (ICSHMO) is hosted in the African continent, but more importantly, hosted by South Africa. We welcome all our guests from different countries to our beautiful country. I am delighted that Minister George welcomed all of you last night in the dinner.
Ladies and gentlemen, hosting this prestigious conference in South Africa is a testament to our nation’s commitment to advancing meteorology, oceanography, and climate science.
The aim of this conference is to focus on climate and oceanography challenges that are unique to the Southern Hemisphere. The relevance of the conference cannot be overemphasized, especially now in a world that is grappling with the impacts of climate change. Extreme weather and climate events, which are exacerbated by climate change, continue to pose significant risks across the globe.
These new and strange weather patterns, have a profound environmental, economic, and social consequences. The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, droughts, storms, and floods are straining infrastructure, displacing communities, and disrupting economies worldwide. These challenges that we are facing require robust scientific understanding, technological advancements, and coordinated global efforts.
In this country, South Africa, the advent of climate change and its effects is no more an imaginary theory, it is upon us, and we are contending with the devastating effects that it brings. Every year, our country declares states of disaster, the majority of which are hydro-meteorological, with the most recent occurring less than a month ago in KwaZulu-Natal. The province of KwaZulu Natal, which is a coastal region has seen worst in the last few years starting with the 2022 floods that caused loss of lives, wiped infrastructure and peoples housing.
Ladies and gentlemen, you are all aware that South Africa is currently occupying the Presidency of G20. We are using this position to leverage as many issues of global scale as possible through the G20 platform. I was glad to hear that this conference is also associated with the launch of our Ocean20 activities. Through the Brazilian G20 Presidency, Oceans20 was introduced within the newly established G20 Social tract. Ocean20 is a social track of the G20, and it is all about creating ocean actions towards sustainability.
Throughout this week, you will learn of a range of our interventions aimed at building a climate-resilient nation. Through the National Research Foundation (NRF) we fund a wide range of research that is conducted by research organisations and universities, including in the areas that will be discussed in this conference. Our Marine and Coastal Research Activities Plan is also implemented by the NRF.
Our interventions are critical, especially given our location in the Southern Hemisphere, a home to vast oceans and diverse climate systems, and on the African continent, a data sparse region.
We have witnessed the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, from devastating cyclones in the Indian Ocean to prolonged droughts and heatwaves across the continent. It is common knowledge that climate change unequally affects developing nations, exacerbating food insecurity, water scarcity, and disaster risks. This underscores the need for inclusive and sustainable solutions that empower communities and strengthen resilience.
These troubling events highlight the urgent need for enhanced observation systems, forecasting capabilities, early warning systems, and climate adaptation strategies to protect communities, economies, and ecosystems. As we discuss the latest advancements in Earth system modelling, remote sensing, and observational networks, we must also emphasise the importance of research infrastructures and capacity building, particularly in the Global South.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data analytics are revolutionising climate science, offering new possibilities for improved weather prediction, disaster response, and risk assessment. As we explore these innovations, we must ensure equitable access to technology and foster interdisciplinary approaches that bridge the gap between science and policy. The role of science in informing policy and decision-making cannot be overstated.
Our government remains committed to strengthening partnerships with regional and international institutions to enhance data sharing, scientific collaboration, and technological innovation. We hope that the week’s discussions will reaffirm our collective commitment to advancing scientific excellence, fostering international cooperation, and developing actionable solutions for a sustainable future.
Let this conference serve as a catalyst for new partnerships, groundbreaking research, and impactful policies that will shape the future of meteorology and oceanography in the Southern Hemisphere and beyond.
I wish you all the best in your deliberations!
Thank you.
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