Climate change and extreme heat: strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity in the Southern African development community (SADC)

This study examines how extreme heat, intensified by climate change, is affecting countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and highlights the need for coordinated regional responses. It positions extreme heat as an “integrator hazard” that amplifies other risks such as droughts, wildfires, and pressure on health, food, water, and energy systems, particularly in a region with high vulnerability due to outdoor labour, rapid urbanisation, and limited health infrastructure.

The findings show that extreme heat is already causing significant health impacts, especially among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, and the elderly, leading to increased mortality and illness including heatstroke, cardiovascular disease, and kidney injury. It also highlights how workers in sectors like agriculture and construction face heightened exposure, while recommending stronger heat-health preparedness, policy coordination, and adaptive strategies at both national and regional levels.