Local risk atlas can help government planning : the inextricable link : climate change and our water resource

South Africa is a dry country with a mean annual rainfall of about 490 mm (half the world average) of which only 9% is converted to river run-off. The overall impact of climate change on water resources is uncertain, and will vary significantly from place to place within South Africa. The Department of Science and Technology commissioned the CSIR to project manage a SA Risk and Vulnerability Atlas; with key inputs from South African institutions and research groups. This could be an important tool to help local government plan for the most serious risks they face locally.