Conference Agenda

Problem Statement and Purpose

Problem Statement: South Africa faces major challenges because of climate change and the ensuing disasters. Although there are many different approaches and studies, there isn't a thorough knowledge of how adaptive governance mechanisms might be used to handle these climate-related challenges effectively.

This paper aims to investigate South Africa's adaptive governance systems in light of climate change and related disasters. It examines the theories, tactics, and real-world examples that demonstrate how adaptive governance is used. The study highlights how important adaptive governance is for boosting resilience and encouraging sustainable development. The case study of the eThekwini floods seeks to offer insightful information about the use and results of adaptive governance methods, advancing knowledge of adaptive governance mechanisms within these coastal cities in South Africa.

Methodology

A thorough analysis of the body of knowledge and official policy papers on climate change adaptation and governance in South Africa is part of the methodology. The concepts and tactics of adaptive governance are then descriptively analyzed. Using information from several sources, case studies such as the Durban flood risk management program could be investigated in detail.

Findings

In conclusion, South Africa's coastal cities have different climate hazards and experiences. It highlights how important adaptive governance is to strengthening South Africa's resilience and sustainable development. The study clarifies how adaptive governance structures facilitate responses to the effects of climate change and related disasters by encouraging flexibility, cooperation, and learning. The flood risk management in Durban helps determine how adaptive governance systems are implemented. Ultimately, the research emphasises adaptive governance as an important tactic for dealing with the intricate problems brought on by climate change in the South African setting.

Proposals

This research investigates and assesses adaptable governance strategies in Durban to enhance climate resilience. Through examining policy documents and empirical data, the research will point out successful tactics and methods that local governments can implement to lessen climate-related catastrophes, guaranteeing sustainable growth and readiness for disasters amid climate change.

References

Dube, K., Nhamo, G. & Chikodzi, D. Flooding trends and their impacts on coastal communities of Western Cape Province, South Africa. GeoJournal 87 (Suppl 4), 453–468 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-021-10460-z

Steynor, A., Leighton, M., Kavonic, J., Abrahams, W., Magole, L., Kaunda, S. and Mubaya, C.P., 2020. Learning from climate change perceptions in southern African cities. Climate Risk Management, 27, p.100202.

Susskind, L. and Kim, A., 2022. Building local capacity to adapt to climate change. Climate Policy, 22(5), pp.593-606.

Ndebele-Murisa, M.R., Mubaya, C.P., Pretorius, L., Mamombe, R., Iipinge, K., Nchito, W., Mfune, J.K., Siame, G. and Mwalukanga, B., 2020. City to city learning and knowledge exchange for climate resilience in southern Africa. PloS one, 15(1), p.e0227915.

Busayo, E.T. and Kalumba, A.M., 2021. Recommendations for linking climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in urban coastal zones: Lessons from East London, South Africa. Ocean & coastal management, 203, p.105454.

Rivero-Villar, A. and Vieyra Medrano, A., 2022. Governance for urban resilience in popular settlements in developing countries: a case-study review. Climate and Development, 14(3), pp.208-221.

Pieterse, A., du Toit, J. and Van Niekerk, W., 2021. Climate change adaptation mainstreaming in the planning instruments of two South African local municipalities. Development Southern Africa, 38(4), pp.493-508.

Problem Statement and Purpose

Climate change induces higher risk of natural disasters, increasing vulnerability of areas with risks especially in developing countries. Governments are requested to cope with this increasing risk and vulnerability under limited resources. In the context of flood mitigation, an effective strategy often combines structural measures (e.g. dams and reservoirs) and non-structural measures (e.g. land use planning and early warning) to minimize the impact of floods on both property and human safety. Among non-structural measures, preventive resettlement, defined as “human settlements are strategically relocated from areas under high risk,” (Chen et al. 2021) is considered as a vital option to consider in the pre-disaster management phase, which focuses on disaster risk reduction before the occurrence of a disaster event. However, a proper mechanism to execute resettlement programs is yet to be established (Rathnasiri, 2017). This paper aims to contribute to literature and practice by understanding attitude formation toward preventive resettlement. Specifically, the objectives of our study are (i) to examine the impact and significance of flood risk communication on the resistance to preventive resettlement, and (ii) to identify the factors in terms of socio-economic, physical and psychological, preparedness and community embeddedness that contribute to community resistance.

Methodology

We report results of a questionnaire survey conducted to people living in Welipitiya, Matara district in Sri Lanka in October 2023. The area is located beside Polwatta River, a local river which occasionally bring floods after heavy rain. Guided by Xue et al. (2022), the survey includes items asking residents’ perceptions toward disaster-risk perceptions and relocation decisions. We also embedded a survey experiment, where we randomly assign respondents into a treatment group (N=105) with local flood risk information before the survey and a control group (N=105) with the same information after the survey. By comparing the difference in attitudinal relationship among responses to these items between two groups, we measure the effect of policy interventions through information provision.

Findings

Even within the small distances, we found that regional variations in flood risk led to a completely different understanding of provided information, which was observed further beyond our expected level. The information seems most effective in areas where there is high flood risk but have not experienced it while the same information is less effective (sometimes even having adverse effects) in areas where there is high flood risk and have experienced damages in the past. We also employ Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis and discuss the difference in mechanisms of attitudinal formation before and after the information provision.

Proposals

The results indicate that adequate flood risk communication may reduce community resistance to preventive resettlement, but the effectiveness of such interventions depends on context and experience of natural disasters. Especially, experience of disasters sometimes arouses some depending attitudes toward governmental supports, which has adverse effects on risk attitudes and preparedness of the people toward flood risks. Trust in the government is necessary condition to hear the information provided by them, so disaster risk communication must be done in the careful balance between avoiding dependency and ensuring trust among people.

References

Chen, T. L., & Tsai, C. E. (2021). Coping with extreme disaster risk through preventive planning for resettlement. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 64, 102531.

Rathnasiri, C. (2019). Resettlement of population at high risk of natural disasters in Sri Lanka. Working Paper

Xue, K., Cao, S., Liu, Y., Xu, D., & Liu, S. (2022). Disaster-risk communication, perceptions and relocation decisions of rural residents in a multi-disaster environment: Evidence from Sichuan, China. Habitat International, 127, 102646.

Problem Statement and Purpose

The era of waste classification in China has shifted toward a mandatory phase, making it a prominent subject among scholars. This paper delves into the 20-year evolution of China's waste classification, utilizing Citespace measurement and the CNKI China Journal Full-text database to analyze the literature's focus and research hotspots during China's waste classification development. It aims to chart the evolution path of waste classification in the country. Additionally, the study conducts a comparative analysis of key changes in waste classification research outside China using the Web of Science core database. Through quantitative analysis of pertinent literature on waste classification, the paper identifies key words and emerging indicators in China's waste classification research. It employs the cluster view combined with core literature to scrutinize the distribution of research topics related to waste classification technology, cost, pollutant discharge, supervision, and management. Furthermore, the paper summarizes advanced experiences of waste classification in various countries and regions, aligning these experiences with the domestic waste classification theme in China. Considering China's specific circumstances, the paper presents relevant policy suggestions. Overall, it provides a comprehensive reference for the study of waste classification.By analyzing the situation in China, provide experiences and strategies for sustainable development in South Africa and developing countries.

Methodology

The study employed Citespace, quantitative, and information visualization analysis software, utilizing literature from the CNKI Chinese Journal Full-text Database and the Web of Science core database. Documents related to waste classification research were selected as research subjects. Co-occurring and burst keywords, alongside clustering analysis, were used to present a comprehensive analysis of global 20-year waste classification research in the form of a scientific knowledge map.

Initially, 5619 Chinese documents with the keyword "waste classification" from 2000 to 2023 were imported into Citespace to generate a knowledge map. The same parameters were applied to create another map using documents focused on "waste classification" and incorporating "technology," "cost," "pollution," and "management." Subsequently, 4950 foreign waste classification documents, following the same time range and node types, were imported into the software.

Findings

China's research in waste classification has a history of two decades, resulting in a substantial accumulation of research outcomes. Particularly in recent years, as environmental concerns and strong policy initiatives have gained momentum, research on waste classification in China has experienced explosive growth, with a significant increase in related literature and enriched research outcomes. China's waste classification is evolving towards reduction, resource utilization, and harmlessness.

Proposals

First, strengthening technological support. Given the increasing diversity of consumer products and the massive quantities of waste generated, it is essential to prioritize technological support for waste classification.

Second, enhancing urban-rural coordination. Waste classification is not only an urban requirement but also a necessity for rural areas. Waste classification should be tailored to the industrial structure, residents' habits, and infrastructure layout in both urban and rural regions.

Third, promoting regional cooperation. Building on the foundation of regional balance , it is crucial to devise region-specific solutions.

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