Briefing Paper

Shelter from the Storm: Climate-accelerated Urbanisation in South Africa

In the next 30 years, climate change will shape South Africans’ lives in numerous ways. One of the most significant effects will be seen in accelerated urbanisation, as changing weather patterns drive more and more people to towns and cities. While responses to climate change are gaining momentum in South Africa, climate-linked migration is still severely under-recognised. Rapid urbanisation can pose significant development opportunities, but it also presents risks. To harness the potential of urbanisation and mitigate these risks, urgent action is needed.