In what is described as a first of its kind in the country, Stellenbosch University officially launched a school for climate studies on Thursday, July 29. The institution will construct a multi-disciplinary capacity, as part of efforts to tackle the battle against climate change.
According to News24, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Buti Manamela, indicated that there is a lack of expertise in South Africa to understand and adapt to the complexity of climate change, however, this focused studies in climate change is a positive step towards understanding it as the school already has about 100 Masters and PhD students registered.
Meanwhile, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wim de Villiers added that the school will play an important role in supporting the country’s transition to a climate-resilient society and a low-carbon economy, SABC reported.