In May 2009 research commenced on the risks and opportunities posed by climate change for the South African economy.

The emphasis of the research is on the effects that both local and global responses to the climate challenge could have on South Africa’s economic development and international competitiveness.

The project is therefore focused not on direct physical impacts, such as changes in rainfall and temperature, but on the ‘indirect’ impacts of climate change that affect areas such as trade, investment and economic growth.

The project is being led by Camco, an international company specialising in climate change solutions, in partnership with Trade and Industrial Policy and Strategies (TIPS).