Climate change is hitting both rural and urban environments hard.
Cape Town’s water crisis grabbed global attention as the first major city to face such a severe shortage. Meanwhile, the urban heat island effect is becoming a growing concern.
To adapt, we need better data—especially spatial data —to help local planners track changes in natural resources and urban climates. Tools like satellite imagery and GIS can pinpoint problems and solutions.
This project explores trade-offs and win-win scenarios between rural-urban development and natural resource conservation under climate change.
The University of Cape Town led the project, collaborating with the Universities of Venda and Fort Hare, and worked closely with South African policymakers.
This month’s speakers