When we look at South Africa and its economic and social state, we examine the current affairs of what the people can afford and what the country can sustain in parallel to what the nation hopes to align itself towards in terms of goals and aspirations.

Borno State, located in the Lake Chad region, has long struggled with harsh climatic conditions, including desertification and extreme heat. For more than a decade, insecurity caused by insurgency further exacerbated these environmental challenges, as deforestation and climate action took a backseat to survival and displacement.

Now that Earth Day 2025 has passed on April 22, it is an ideal moment to reflect on an extraordinary journey. A journey led by Africa’s youth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

At its core, the greenhouse effect is at the root of the Earth's complex and sensitive climate. This is a naturally occurring process indigenous to life on Earth that helps to keep its temperature suitable for living. Lacking it, the planet would be a cold, unfriendly environment for many known species.

Forests are the lungs of our planet, absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and providing shelter for countless species. Yet, deforestation continues at an alarming rate, driven by agriculture, logging, and infrastructure expansion.

Malawi, one of Southern Africa’s most vulnerable countries to climate change, is increasingly facing the devastating impacts of extreme weather events, particularly floods and droughts. Located in South-East Africa and bordered by Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia, Malawi is a small landlocked country of 118 484 km2 (of which 22 762 km2 is covered by the lake) and stretches 900 km from north to south.

The term “sustainable urban planning” can be defined as “a holistic approach to developing and managing cities that prioritises long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability.” The concept is holistic in the sense that it attempts to model cities for the future, considering a multitude of different targets.

Cities are on the front lines of transformation in a society increasingly influenced by climate change. Once far-off dangers, rising sea levels, intense storms, floods, and heatwaves now dominate the daily news. Growing urban populations stress infrastructure, resources, and the surroundings further.

The Sundarbans. Not a region of the world that too many of the unitiated are familiar with. And yet, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest mangrove forest in the world. It sits in the Ganges Delta between India and Bangladesh, covers around 10,000 square kilometres, and is home to some exquisite and endangered wildlife, such as the Bengal Tiger and the Gangetic Dolphin.

Assessing the impact of KwaZulu-Natal’s (Republic of South Africa) floods from 2022 to 2025 — and what it reveals about climate change resilience, justice, and state preparedness. 

The rising frequency of drought and water scarcity is becoming one of the most urgent worldwide concerns in an age defined by unparalleled environmental change. Changing precipitation patterns and long dry periods not only lower water supply but also threaten the very basis of food production. 

For a long time many African countries have relied on fossil fuels to generate electricity. While fossil fuels were reliable then, its reliability has become significantly low now.