As extreme weather events become more frequent, the Water Research Commission (WRC) and the South African Weather Service (SAWS) are harnessing citizen science to improve local weather monitoring, strengthen early warning systems, and help vulnerable communities better prepare for climate-related disasters.
The WRC-funded project, led by SAWS in collaboration with researchers from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of Cape Town, examined how citizen science can support early warning systems for weather- and climate-related hazards. The three-year project was implemented in five climate-vulnerable communities: Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape, Swayimane in KwaZulu-Natal, Malamulele in Limpopo, Cullinan in Gauteng, and Manenberg in the Western Cape.
The initiative culminated in a World Environment Day celebration at the Albertina Sisulu Science Centre in Cofimvaba, Eastern Cape, where citizen scientists were honoured for their contributions to climate monitoring and environmental steward… Read more
