Climate Change

Causes and Effects

Causes of Climate Change

The earth’s climate is dynamic and always changing through a natural cycle. It is a major concern around the world that the changes taking place today are accelerated by human activity. These changes are being studied by scientists all over the world who are finding evidence from tree rings, pollen samples, ice cores, and sea sediments and climate models.

Natural Causes

There are several natural factors responsible for climate change that have occurred over the course of the Earth’s existence. Some of the more prominent ones are continental drift, volcanoes, ocean currents, change in solar circle, Wild fires, earth’s tilt, and comets and meteorites.

Anthropogenic (Man-made) causes

Many human activities result in the emission of greenhouse gases, which are responsible for the anthropogenically enhanced greenhouse effect. Examples of greenhouse gases emitted by human activities include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3). These activities include, among others, the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas), clearing of trees, and agricultural practices that lead to increased GHG concentration in the atmosphere.

Causes & Effects

Energy Use

Agricultural Practices

Deforestation

Transport

Livestock

Mining

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Lesotho Climate Change Unit

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The Lesotho Meteorological Services (LMS) is the national meteorological agency of the Kingdom of Lesotho. 

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Water is one the most important natural resources of Lesotho and the water sector encompasses almost all aspects of life, the economy and the natural environment. The unique geographic location, high altitude and pristine natural quality of the mountain areas position Lesotho as the (‘water tower’) of southern Africa. The sustainability of water resources is threatened by the degradation of the catchment areas which is worsened by the climate change impacts. These challenges threatens the development of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) and implementation of the Lesotho Lowlands Water Supply Scheme (LLWSS). 

A strong framework to guide the development and management of water resources in the face of increasing uncertainty is also central to long-term macroeconomic water security. These include implementation of Integrated catchment management ICM and Long-term Water and Sanitation Strategies. Learn more about the comprehensive ICM programme in Lesotho.

  1. Increased temperatures and spatial, monthly and seasonal variability of rainfall/precipitation – Shortened rainfall season.

  2. Extreme temperatures and reduced precipitation – Droughts

  3. An increase in extreme precipitation – Floods

  1. Underground water not adequately recharged. Water sources dry up

  2. The decline in water availability . Stagnant water causes diseases. Poor water quality. The outbreak of water-borne diseases e.g. cholera

    Increase in demands for water usage in activities such as irrigation, domestic, industrial activities

  3. The outbreak of water-borne diseases e.g., typhoid

  1. Rainwater harvesting from roof-tops. Proper management of land to enable re- vegetation and wetlands rehabilitation.
  2. Conserve water sources

    Water rationing

    Encourage communities to protect natural springs

    Wetlands Rehabilitation

  3. Use domestic water purification systems

  4.  

Extreme weather events, notably drought, heavy rains, and hailstorms, threaten development gains across agricultural related sectors. Agriculture’s sensitivity to climate-induced water stress is likely to intensify the existing problems of decreasing agricultural outputs, declining economic productivity, poverty, and food insecurity, with smallholder farmers in Lesotho particularly affected. The spatial and temporal changes in the frequency of temperature and precipitation may be linked to a decline in crop production.

Addressing the impacts of climate change on crops in Lesotho therefore needs a multifaceted approach that includes both individual and community-level strategies.Training and education for farmers on climate-smart agricultural practices and adaptation techniques is therefore fundamental. See Climate Smart Agriculture Investment Plan.

  1. Erratic Rainfall Patterns
  2. Droughts

  3. Unpredictable Frost and Temperature Extremes

  4. Intense rainfall events

  1. Climate change has led to more unpredictable and irregular rainfall, which can result in both droughts and floods, negatively affecting crop planting and yields.

  2. Increasing frequency and severity of droughts result in water stress for crops, particularly during dry periods, leading to stunted growth and yield reduction.

    Increasing frequency and severity of droughts can result in water stress for crops, stunting their growth and reducing yields.

    Reduced crop yields can lead to economic hardship and loss of livelihoods, as many Basotho rely on crop production for income and sustenance.

    Decreased crop production can lead to food shortages and increased food prices, contributing to food insecurity, malnutrition, and health problems, particularly among vulnerable populations.

  3. Fluctuations in temperature, including unseasonal frosts, can harm crops and reduce the length of growing seasons.

    Warmer temperatures can facilitate the proliferation of pests and diseases, posing a threat to crop health. This often necessitates increased pesticide use.

  4. Intense rainfall events can lead to soil erosion and degradation, negatively impacting crop quality and yields.

  1. Invest in small-scale irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and water-efficient techniques to ensure consistent water availability for crops. Promote soil moisture conservation methods like mulching. Promote drought-resistant crop varieties. Enhance crop diversification to reduce risk. Develop early warning systems to prepare for food shortages. Promote community-based food security initiatives. 
  2. Plant crops that are more resilient to temperature extremes. Use protective measures such as crop covers or tunnels during frost-prone periods. Implement integrated pest management (IPM) practices. Promote crop rotation to reduce pest and disease pressure.
  3. Use soil conservation practices like terracing and cover cropping. Implement agroforestry to enhance soil health and stability.
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Burning fossil fuels like gasoline and diesel releases carbon dioxide (CO2), into the atmosphere. The buildup of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases like methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) is causing the Earth’s atmosphere to warm, resulting in changes to the climate we are already starting to see today. 

Transportation is a one of the major contributor to global CO2 emissions.

Promoting more efficient and less carbon-intensive transportation modes can help mitigate emissions.

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Deforestation is a major contributor to climate change, as trees and forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. 

Release of Greenhouse Gases: When forests are cut down or burned, the carbon stored in trees and vegetation is released into the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2). CO2 is a potent greenhouse gas that traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to an increase in global temperatures. 

Loss of Carbon Sequestration: Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing more CO2 than they release. When forests are removed, this crucial function is disrupted. As a result, less CO2 is removed from the atmosphere, and the concentration of greenhouse gases increases, exacerbating the greenhouse effect.

Biodiversity Loss: Deforestation not only releases CO2 but also leads to the loss of biodiversity. Ecosystems play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and resilience to climate change. Loss of biodiversity can disrupt ecosystems and make them less adaptable to changing climate conditions.

To combat climate change, efforts should focus on reducing deforestation and promoting reforestation and afforestation to capture and store carbon, preserve biodiversity, and maintain ecological services.

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Agricultural practices contribute to climate change through the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and other environmental impacts, e.g.

  • Livestock produce methane during digestion, a potent greenhouse gas, and nitrous oxide emissions from synthetic fertilizers. 
  • Land use changes, such as deforestation, reduce the planet’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide and release stored carbon into the atmosphere. 
  • Modern industrial agriculture relies heavily on fossil fuels, releasing CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. 
  • Poor farming practices, such as overuse of land and improper soil management, can lead to soil erosion and degradation, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere. 
  • Transportation and distribution of agricultural products over long distances also contribute to emissions. 
  • Waste generation, deforestation for livestock production, inefficient irrigation practices, and chemical use, all contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. 

Addressing the impact of climate change on agriculture is crucial for food security and reducing its environmental impact.

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The majority of our energy comes from burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which are major drivers of climate change. The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere when used for various purposes, such as generating electricity, powering vehicles, and heating houses. Various greenhouse gases are responsible for trapping heat from the sun and preventing it from escaping into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). 

Consequently, the trapped heat causes the greenhouse effect, which further contributes to global warming. Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions during energy generation, making them environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels. 

Climate change can be mitigated and reduced by switching to cleaner energy sources and improving energy efficiency.

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The GEF Trust Fund constitutes the most popular source of climate finance in Lesotho, having funded over 42 projects, including both national and global/regional initiatives. In terms of focus, GEF funded projects have been geared broadly towards tackling the drivers of environmental degradation. As such, the major focal areas of the fund disbursement in Lesotho have been biodiversity; land degradation; climate change policies, strategies and plans; organic pollution and water – all of which are more or less in line with the fund’s priority globally. Direct climate financing from Global Environment Fund (GEF) is accessible through the Department of Environment, which is a GEF focal point in the Ministry of Defence, National Security and Environment. (Home | GEF)

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The Green Climate Fund has the potential to help countries like Lesotho meet their adaptation and mitigation finance needs. Currently, there is one cross-cutting GCF-funded project in Lesotho, among other three recipient countries – South Africa, Eswatini and Namibia. 

The project is geared towards addressing critical market barriers in accelerating private sector climate investments. Lesotho has also accessed five (5) projects under the GCFs Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme. The process for accessing funding under the GCF begin from an assessment of the needs of Lesotho and includes extensive stakeholder engagement. The fund is accessed through the National Designated Authority (NDA) and the Accredited Entity (AE) (Lesotho | Green Climate Fund).

 
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Like the Adaptation Fund, the Climate Investment Funds constitutes a climate funding stream that many African countries are not able to access. CIF is an enabler of pioneering climate-smart planning and climate action in low and middle-income economies, many of which are the least prepared yet the most prone to the challenges of climate change. CIF responds to the worldwide climate crisis with large-scale, low-cost, and long-term financial solutions to support countries achieve their climate objectives. In Lesotho, there is only a single project with finance from the fund. The project, entitled “Lesotho Renewable Energy and Energy Access Project”, is geared towards funding renewable energy investments. The fund is accessed through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning in Lesotho. (The Climate Investment Funds (CIF)).

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The Special Climate Change Fund is also being governed by GEF and Lesotho has not accessed funds as the fund is dry majority of the time. Lesotho as an LDC competes with other developing countries to access the funds. (Special Climate Change Fund – SCCF | GEF)

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The LDCF, which is governed by GEF, is a vital source of climate funds in the context of Lesotho. It constitutes the most significant finance stream in Lesotho, having funded national projects to the tune of over US$ 36 million as of 2022. Indeed, it is second in significance to the GEF Trust Fund only in terms of the number of nationally funded projects (8 national projects compared to 15 for GEF). Regarding sectoral distribution and focus of LDCF, the data suggests that LDCF resources are geared towards water resources management, enhancing the resilience of agricultural production and food systems, and climate information services and capacity building. (Least Developed Countries Fund – LDCF | GEF)

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The Adaptation Fund is one of the least accessed climate funds and Lesotho just accessed funds (count of US$ 10 million) through Word Food Programme as the accredited entity. The project, entitled “Improving adaptive capacity of vulnerable and food-insecure populations in Lesotho”, is being implemented and pertains to agriculture and food security. It is accessed through LMS and Accredited Entity (AF | Adaptation Fund)

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