Climate change

What we do

Contact information:

Dr Brian Mantlana
Impact Area Manager
@email

Angela Bolosha
Business Development Practitioner
abolosha@csir.co.za

Highlights

Antarctica and the Earth System book cover

CSIR experts share their knowledge on the Southern Ocean in book on Antarctica

Researchers at the CSIR have contributed to a book that highlights the vulnerability of polar regions. “Antarctica in the Earth System” is a valuable resource for educators, students studying polar sciences, policymakers shaping climate strategies and researchers working to protect the fragile ecosystems of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Contributors from the CSIR-hosted Southern Ocean Carbon-Climate Observatory included Dr Sandy Thomalla and Dr Sarah Nicholson, with CSIR alum Dr Precious Mongwe and Dr Pedro Monteiro. The team authored a chapter titled, “The Southern Ocean Coupled Carbon and Climate Feedback Links to the Earth System: The Present – the Past – the Future.”

A new generation of ocean experts to tackle climate change

More than 80 ocean climate scientists, engineers and technicians have been trained in advanced robotics, modelling, satellite remote sensing, ocean chemistry and more, thanks to over a decade of investment in Southern Ocean climate research by the CSIR and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).Watch.

Our research

Climate services

Climate services

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We analyse climate change risks, impacts and potential responses across various sectors. We do crop modelling, species distribution modelling, agro-hydrological modelling, greenhouse gas inventories, low-emission development strategies, resource constraint trade-offs and reporting on progress towards South Africa's commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Using decision-support tools and information and communication technologies, our research enables sectoral and integrative climate change responses, delivering tangible impact for low-carbon, climate-resilient industries and sustainable development across southern Africa.

Climate and air quality modelling

Climate and air quality modelling

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We have developed the capability to perform seamless climate model simulations, including statistical and dynamic downscaling of climate change projections, as well as medium- and short-range numerical weather predictions, using the latest Earth System Model-based framework.

Ocean systems and climate

Ocean systems and climate

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The Southern Ocean Carbon Climate Observatory improves long-term projections of the Southern Ocean carbon-climate system to support informed adaptation planning and decision-making, addressing society’s urgent need for robust and actionable climate risk management.