Perth Laboratory – Public Seminar Series 2009

Climate Change and the Agriculture Sector in South Africa: To Stress or not to Stress? . . . That is the Question

Professor Roland Schulze
University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

*Friday 4 September 2009 at 3.30pm, CSIRO Auditorium
followed by refreshments from 4.30pm – 5.30pm

Please RSVP to Cath Miller (Ph: 0416 289 075) by Tuesday 1 September
This event is free of charge

Abstract

The evolution of the climate – land cover – population – cycle of natural resources has focused attention on water for food in a climate changed future. With climate being a major determinant of agricultural production, especially in South Africa, projected first order changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, temperature and precipitation, as well as changes to related second order climate derivatives of frost, heat units, chill units and soil moisture are assessed for South Africa. Illustrations of projected shifts in optimum growth areas and yields of key crops, as well as shifts in pests/disease occurrences and irrigation water demand lead to concluding remarks on anticipated future stresses in the agriculture sector of South Africa and on potential adaptation issues.

About the speaker

Professor Schulze has had a long and distinguished career and is an internationally recognised expert in hydrology. He has worked and lectured in several countries around the world and is particularly well know for his work on the ACRU hydrological model, the South African Atlas of Agrohydrology and Climatology, and more recently on climate change impacts on the water resources of South Africa.

Professor Schulze has many accolades to his name, including the SA Institute of Agricultural Engineers Gold Medal for “outstanding contributions to hydrology in SA”, Fellowship of the University of Natal in recognition of “distinguished academic achievement”, Fellowship of the Royal Society of South Africa for “distinguished contribution in the furtherance of science in South Africa”, Life membership of the International Water Academy of Norway, and Agricultural Researcher of the Year for KwaZulu-Natal.

*Note: this seminar is scheduled for a Friday instead of the usual Thursday

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