Climate changes 'grim'

2004-10-07 15:05

Johannesburg - The government released its first official response to climate change on Thursday.

The "national climate change response strategy" document was approved by cabinet on Wednesday.

Environmental affairs and tourism department director-general Shippey Olver said the document mapped out a detailed set of responses for each department.

Olver said the document should provide proactive reaction to the "catastrophic" effects of climate change.

"Sorry to be so grim, but it's a grim picture," he told reporters in Johannesburg.

South Africa was getting hotter and drier in some places, and wetter in others, Olver said.

Besides trying to reduce gas emission, it was important for agriculture to adapt to the changing weather and health to prepare for the likely spread of malaria.

Non-governmental organisations welcomed the document, but said it had many gaps that needed to be filled.

- SAPA