This podcast highlights the necessity of advancing the science and practice of climate risk management (CRM) in response to escalating global climate risks and insufficient current adaptation efforts. Extreme weather and "new climate normals" demonstrate the inadequacy of traditional responses, forcing a critical reflection on how CRM has evolved since its origins in the late 1990s. To prepare for the coming decade, the authors encourage research addressing several interrelated frontiers, including improvements in adaptation decision support and finance, which currently suffers from a significant funding gap. Further crucial research areas include examining the connections between climate change and human and national security, as well as the responsible application of emerging technologies and innovation like artificial intelligence. Finally, the authors stress the need to focus on equitable adaptation and justice to avoid reinforcing existing social inequalities, alongside rigorous evaluation and learning mechanisms to sustain effective, long-term change.

Hierdie Rest is Climate-podsending dek Suid-Afrika se Tweede Nasionaal Bepaalde Bydrae (NDC), 'n formele dokument wat in Oktober 2025 ingevolge die Paryse Ooreenkoms gekommunikeer is. Hierdie Suid-Afrika se NDC skets die land se verbintenisse rakende versagting, aanpassing en ondersteuning vir die tydperk 2031-2035, wat die vordering vanaf sy eerste NDC demonstreer.

Sleutelkomponente sluit in 'n versagtingsteikenreeks vir 2035 (320-380 Mt CO2-ekwivalent) en 'n Regverdige Oorgang na netto nul CO2-uitlatings teen 2050. Dit gee ook besonderhede oor agt nasionale aanpassingsdoelwitte met gepaardgaande finansieringsbehoeftes (ZAR 250 miljard vir aanpassing tussen 2026-2035) en wy 'n afdeling aan die aanspreek van verlies en skade as gevolg van toenemende klimaatsimpakte. Die NDC raam sy benadering op grond van billikheid, nasionale omstandighede en die behoefte aan beduidende internasionale klimaatsfinansiering om sy ambisieuse doelwitte te bereik.

Die bespreking is gebaseer op navorsing gelei deur die Climate Risk Lab wat die tegniese grondslag gelê het vir en die opstel van Suid-Afrika se Tweede Nasionaal Bepaalde Bydrae kragtens die Paryse Ooreenkoms, https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/2025-10/South%20Africa%27s%20second%20Nationally%20Determined%20Contribution_2025.pdf#page=2.08

This Rest is Climate podcast covers South Africa’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), a formal document communicated in October 2025 under the Paris Agreement. This South Africa’s NDC outlines the country’s commitments regarding mitigation, adaptation, and support for the period 2031-2035, demonstrating progression from its first NDC.

Key components include a mitigation target range for 2035 (320-380 Mt CO2-eq) and a Just Transition to net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. It also details eight national adaptation goals with associated finance needs (ZAR 250 billion for adaptation between 2026–2035) and dedicates a section to addressing loss and damage from increasing climate impacts. The NDC frames its approach based on equity, national circumstances, and the need for significant international climate finance to achieve its ambitious goals.

The discussion is based on research led by the Climate Risk Lab that laid the technical foundation for and drafting of South Africa’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/2025-10/South%20Africa%27s%20second%20Nationally%20Determined%20Contribution_2025.pdf#page=2.08

This Rest is Climate podcast covers South Africa’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), a formal document communicated in October 2025 under the Paris Agreement. This South Africa’s NDC outlines the country’s commitments regarding mitigation, adaptation, and support for the period 2031-2035, demonstrating progression from its first NDC.

Key components include a mitigation target range for 2035 (320-380 Mt CO2-eq) and a Just Transition to net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. It also details eight national adaptation goals with associated finance needs (ZAR 250 billion for adaptation between 2026–2035) and dedicates a section to addressing loss and damage from increasing climate impacts. The NDC frames its approach based on equity, national circumstances, and the need for significant international climate finance to achieve its ambitious goals.

The discussion is based on research led by the Climate Risk Lab that laid the technical foundation for and drafting of South Africa’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/2025-10/South%20Africa%27s%20second%20Nationally%20Determined%20Contribution_2025.pdf#page=2.08

This podcast highlights how both the impacts of climate change and our responses to climate change affect climate change risk of structural economic transformation.

examines Structural Economic Transformation (SET) in a world impacted by climate change, asserting its continued importance for poverty reduction and resilience. It highlights how climate change necessitates adaptations in development strategies, from diversifying production away from vulnerable sectors to capitalising on green economy opportunities, which are also influenced by geopolitics. The authors investigate how climate change and global responses affect national SET efforts and cross-border economic transformation, using case studies from Ethiopia, Jamaica, Kenya, Bangladesh, and Kazakhstan to illustrate diverse national experiences. The paper identifies a "green squeeze" through trade and finance policies by major industrial powers, but also proposes a "green ease" through reformed trade measures, R&D in green technologies, and supportive financial systems. Ultimately, it argues that advancing SET, alongside climate adaptation, is critical for all countries, with existing development initiatives now also serving to build climate resilience and competitiveness in a low-carbon economy.

This Rest is Climate podcast examines the critical role of Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) in climate change adaptation in Africa. They highlight how ILK, encompassing traditional wisdom, practices, and observations, is crucial for African communities, particularly smallholder farmers, in forecasting weather patterns, managing natural resources, and ensuring food security. The texts also acknowledge the challenges to ILK's continued use, such as urbanisation, colonial influences, and a lack of formal recognition and documentation, while stressing the importance of integrating ILK with modern scientific approaches for more effective and inclusive climate adaptation strategies across the continent.

It is based on research from the Climate Risk lab covering:

This podcast focuses on recent advances in complex climate change risk assessment for adaptation and discusses how to better assess and manage the intricate and interconnected risks posed by climate change. It highlights promising opportunities for action in areas like cities, coastal zones, and finance, advocating for the implementation of new methodologies.

These methods, such as participatory modelling and adaptation pathways planning, aim to overcome challenges like uncertainty and complexity by providing more actionable insights for decision-makers. The podcast then discusses five key enablers for effective and equitable adaptation, including integrating equity, avoiding maladaptation, investing in accessible knowledge, incorporating diverse expertise, and assessing local feasibility.

The podcast is drawn from research at the Climate Risk Lab on the theme:

Advances in complex climate change risk assessment for adaptation. npj Clim. Action 4, 74 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44168-025-00281-y 

This podcast discusses the financial landscape of climate change research concerning Africa. It analyses a substantial database of research grants from 1990 to 2020, revealing that a disproportionately small fraction of global climate research funding targets Africa, despite the continent's high vulnerability to climate change. Most of this funding originates from and is received by institutions in Europe and North America, with African institutions receiving only a small percentage. The research also investigates thematic priorities, noting a greater focus on climate impacts and adaptation over mitigation, and an uneven geographical distribution of funding across African nations, often aligning with former colonial ties rather than climate vulnerability. The podcast then reflects on approaches, that can help overcome these challenges, including decolonial ones.

The podcast draws on research from the Climate Risk Lab on:

This podcast discusses climate change impacts, vulnerabilities, and adaptation strategies across Africa, categorising findings by sub-regions and various sectors. It highlights how socio-economic, political, and environmental factors intersect to create multi-dimensional climate change exposure and vulnerability, particularly for those in informal settlements, women, children, and the elderly. It highlights challenges in climate finance, governance, and the integration of indigenous knowledge into adaptation planning. Furthermore, it details how climate change affects crucial areas like health, food security, migration, and infrastructure, while also discussing the potential of climate information services and robust legal frameworks to foster climate-resilient development. The podcast also explores the nexus between water, energy, and food security, underscoring the complexities and interdependencies requiring holistic solutions.

This podcast draws on work led by the Climate Risk Lab through the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 6th Assessment Report (Chapter 9: Africa) and includes:

This podcast gives a a comprehensive overview of research on human adaptation to climate change, primarily drawing from the Global Adaptation Mapping Initiative (GAMI). We examine where, how, and to what extent adaptation responses are being implemented globally, covering various geographical regions, sectors, and the types of climate hazards addressed. A significant focus is placed on the involvement of diverse actors, from individuals and households to governments and civil society organizations, and the policy tools that support or hinder adaptation efforts. Furthermore, the sources critically assess the consideration of social equity in adaptation, the feasibility of different adaptation options, and the presence of constraints and limits to effective adaptation, including instances of maladaptation and the potential for transformational change.