Eswatini’s Climatology
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a landlocked nation located in Southern Africa. It shares its borders with South Africa to the south and Mozambique to the east. Eswatini experiences a subtropical climate characterized by two distinct seasons: a wet summer from October to April and a dry winter from May to September.
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Climate
Eswatini’s climate is shaped by its elevation and geographical features. The country can be divided into four primary physiographic regions: the Highveld, Middleveld, Lowveld, and Lubombo Plateau. The Highveld is the highest and coolest region, with an average temperature of 16°C (61°F). The Middleveld is slightly warmer, boasting an average temperature of 18°C (64°F). The Lowveld, on the other hand, is the warmest and driest, with an average temperature of 22°C (72°F). Along the eastern border of Eswatini, the Lubombo Plateau is a narrow mountain range that experiences slightly cooler and wetter conditions compared to the Lowveld.
Rainfall
Precipitation in Eswatini is also influenced by the country’s topography and altitude. The Highveld receives the highest amount of rainfall, with an annual average of 1,500 mm (59 in). The Middleveld experiences slightly less precipitation, with an average of 1,200 mm (47 in) per year. The Lowveld, on the other hand, receives the least amount of rainfall, averaging around 500 mm (20 in) annually.
Climate Change
Eswatini stands as one of the most vulnerable nations in the world to the adverse impacts of climate change. The country is already grappling with the consequences, including elevated temperatures, more frequent and severe droughts and floods, and rising sea levels.
Over the past half-century, Eswatini has witnessed an increase in its average temperature by 1.5°C (2.7°F). This warming trend is expected to persist, with projections indicating a potential further increase of 2-3°C (3.6-5.4°F) by the close of this century.
The country is also experiencing heightened instances of severe droughts and floods, with droughts being particularly prevalent in the Lowveld and floods more common in the Highveld.
Sea level rise is an additional major concern for Eswatini, given its short coastline along the Indian Ocean, which is particularly susceptible to sea level rise. This phenomenon threatens to inundate coastal regions, displace communities, and damage coastal infrastructure.
Impacts of Climate Change
The impact of climate change is profoundly felt across Eswatini’s economy, society, and environment.
Economy
Climate change is affecting the nation’s economy in several ways. Reduced rainfall and increased frequency of droughts result in crop failures and livestock losses, directly affecting agricultural productivity. Furthermore, climate change exerts pressure on the tourism industry, another vital sector in Eswatini’s economy.
Society
Climate change is also having a notable effect on Eswatini’s society. Droughts and floods are forcing people to leave their homes and means of subsistence. Additionally, climate change is exacerbating existing challenges, such as poverty and food insecurity.
Environment
Climate change’s impacts on Eswatini’s environment are significant. Soaring temperatures contribute to the melting of glaciers and snowpack, diminishing water availability. Moreover, climate change poses a threat to biodiversity, as numerous plant and animal species struggle to adapt to the changing climate.
Adaptation and Mitigation
Eswatini is actively implementing various strategies to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. The government has crafted a comprehensive National Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, which outlines numerous adaptation and mitigation measures.
Among the adaptation measures being undertaken by Eswatini are:
1.Investment in drought-resistant crops and livestock
2.Enhancement of water management systems
3.Establishment of early warning systems for droughts and floods
4.Promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices
Some of the mitigation measures that Eswatini is pursuing include:
1.Investment in renewable energy sources
2.Advocacy for enhanced energy efficiency
3.Efforts to reduce deforestation
4.Initiatives for afforestation
Eswatini, as a highly vulnerable nation to climate change, is already grappling with the ramifications of rising temperatures, more frequent and severe droughts and floods, and sea-level rise. These challenges are profoundly impacting the country’s economy, society, and environment.
While the Eswatini government is actively engaged in implementing strategies to adapt to and mitigate these challenges, more concerted efforts are needed to effectively address the climate change issue within the nation. Additionally, the international community plays a pivotal role in supporting Eswatini’s endeavors to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Recent Climate – Eswatini’s Climatology