Abstract
The rise in global temperatures on the oceans causes expanding ocean water and melting glaciers on the polar ice caps. Measurements from a global network of tide gauges indicated a rise in global sea level of between 10 cm and 15 cm which have occurred over the last century and rates of sea level rise around South Africa have been found comparable. The South African coast has been affected by rising sea levels. Analysis of about 50 years of data have shown that the sea level of the west coast of South Africa is rising by about 1.87 mm/year, the south coast by about 1.47 mm/year and the east coast by about 2.74 mm/year. The coastal regions of the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape has a high wind velocity and therefore wind farms can be established in these areas. The Northern Cape and Karoo areas have almost 365 days of sunshine per year and these areas have great potential for solar energy. Biomass can be produced from millions hectares of woodlands in the South Cape and Kwazulu Natal. The Eastern Cape has the best river system which can be used for hydro electric power. Improvements can be achieved in South Africa’s case with the implementation of renewable energy, and the lessons can be implemented throughout the world.
Presenters
Muhammad Ridwaan GallantLecturer, Department of Religion and Theology, University of the Western Cape, Western Cape, South Africa
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Global warming; Melting glaciers; Renewable energy
