Together in Cape Town for Better and More Actionable Climate Information for Africa
How can climate information become more useful for decision-making and climate adaptation in Africa? This was the central question when around 70 researchers, experts and societal actors from across the continent gathered in Cape Town earlier this autumn. Over four intensive days, participants discussed everything from terminology and ethics to leadership and long-term sustainability in climate-related projects.
The Workshop and Organisers
The workshop “Building Actionable Climate Information for Africa Adaptation” was held in Cape Town and online. It was organised in collaboration between CORDEX (Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment), WCRP RIfS (Regional Information for Society), WISER UK International Development, and CSAG (Climate System Analysis Group) at the University of Cape Town.
SMHI’s Iréne Lake and Lindha Nilsson were among the organisers.
View over Cape Town.
Building on a Shared Vision
The purpose of the workshop was to build on previous strategic meetings and experiences, including a side event hosted by the CORDEX project office during the WCRP Open Science Conference in Kigali in 2023, and the “RIfS Expert Meeting on the Robustness of Climate Change Information for Decisions 2024” held in Brussels.
The focus in Cape Town was on sustainable development, strengthening collaboration, advancing climate information, and establishing strategic expert partnerships. The outcomes will be compiled in a report to guide continued work in Africa. The ideas and contacts established during the workshop may also play an important role in future projects where SMHI contributes with expertise in climate modelling, climate information and capacity development.
Strong Engagement and High Ambitions
Participants represented different parts of Africa and different societal sectors. Engagement was high, and there was a strong ambition to advance the development of actionable climate information. The workshop consisted largely of discussions, joint exercises and group work aimed at identifying concrete next steps.
– Despite the many discouraging messages about climate developments and setbacks in commitments to slow warming, those working with climate information, impact studies and adaptation show great engagement and determination to continue working for sustainable development.
It is also clear that much remains to be done to provide updated and tailored decision-support that is accessible and can be used effectively. Knowledge exchange must also be strengthened, even though resources are often limited.
Overall, I feel hopeful and very satisfied with the workshop and its outcomes, which will contribute to a report, a scientific article and a concept note, says Iréne Lake, International Project Manager, SMHI.
Core Themes of the Discussions
Over the four days, several key issues were explored, including:
- roles and responsibilities within the climate-information chain and how these affect quality and usability,
- the importance of ethics, transparency and trust,
- the value of local knowledge and Indigenous knowledge systems,
- how terminology is interpreted across actors and how this affects communication,
- the need for African-led projects and for ensuring sustainability and continuity beyond project end.
A Shared Way Forward
A recurring thread throughout the sessions was the need to define, contextualise and plan for a shared direction. The week resulted in several concrete ideas on how actors can continue to strengthen Africa’s voice in climate issues and improve the ability to generate actionable climate information to support adaptation across the continent.
– SMHI has long experience of engagement in climate-related work in Africa, including analysis, user engagement, workshops and other capacity-building activities within CORDEX Africa.
Although SMHI no longer hosts the international CORDEX project office, the Rossby Centre plans to continue working with climate information for Africa within various international projects and in collaboration with the networks built up over the years, saysLindha Nilsson, Administrator and Coordinator, SMHI.
