Changing environmental standards are a hot topic today and the recent award of the SASAS Medal to Professor Stuart Piketh at the North-West University (NWU) in Potchefstroom highlights the importance of atmospheric science in our understanding of contemporary environmental challenges. In a world where the average temperature has risen 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, there is an urgent need to reflect on the implications of this alarming reality.
At the 38th Annual Conference of the South African Society for Atmospheric Sciences, President Professor Francois Engelbrecht opened the proceedings with a solemn address, highlighting the historic, yet unfortunate, nature of the situation. Indeed, this is the first time that a SASAS conference has seen global average temperatures rise above the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius for a sustained period. This sad reality is a testament to the failure of the 2016 Paris Agreements, which aimed to limit temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The consequences of this warming are already visible across the world, with heatwaves, wildfires, floods and extreme weather events becoming more frequent. In light of this, there is an urgent need to implement climate change adaptation measures, including the development of early warning systems that can manage future extreme weather events.
The award of the SASAS Medal to Professor Stuart Piketh is a testament to the importance of atmospheric science research in understanding atmospheric processes and their implications for pollution, environmental policy and public health. The discussions held at the conference highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement in addressing these challenges.
Professor Paola Formenti’s keynote address on atmospheric aerosols in southern Africa highlighted the importance of this research in improving climate models and our understanding of cloud processes. Similarly, the role played by the South African Environmental Observation Network in collecting quality environmental data and raising awareness of environmental issues in society demonstrates the relevance of these collaborations in advancing research and monitoring of atmospheric processes.
As global temperatures continue to rise, it is essential to capitalise on the knowledge and innovations of the atmospheric science community to meet current and future challenges. This SASAS conference reminds us of the urgency of action on climate change and the importance of mobilising the whole of society to address this colossal challenge..
In conclusion, the medal awarded to Professor Stuart Piketh highlights the crucial role of atmospheric sciences in combating climate change and protecting our environment. It is more necessary than ever to cooperate, innovate and raise awareness to preserve our planet and ensure a sustainable future for future generations.