Climate crisis at breaking point, warns MTEA Acting PS

The world is edging dangerously close to an irreversible climate catastrophe. This is according to a warning by the Acting Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Duduzile Nhlengethwa-Masina, who said the extreme weather events intensify and global temperatures continue to rise.   Masina said with ecosystems collapsing, food and water insecurity worsening, and communities facing unprecedented natural disasters, experts were sounding the alarm saying time was running out to prevent a full-scale climate breakdown.   The Acting PS also warned that the world was fast approaching a climate tipping point, and Eswatini is no exception.   Recurrently stating this during workshops, training and meeting, she stressed the urgency of taking immediate action.   Facilitated by the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, the meeting where the Acting PS shared her sentiments aims to ensure climate adaptation measures are effective, cost-efficient, and aligned with national priorities is crucial for Eswatini’s sustainable future.

Explaining how the globe was at a point of no return, Masina explained that since 2023, there had been a notable global increase in temperatures. "The oceans are absorbing all this heat and that energy is being directed to the land. This is why we are seeing these unpredictable and harsh weather patterns. If something is not done promptly, scientists say the earth might reach a point of no return," explained the Acting PS.   Masina further says the activity was not only for adaptation but for them to plan how the country could first strengthen the adaptation and ensure that climate resilience measures were prioritised in national planning, supported by evidence-based cost-benefit analysis to guide strategic investments in key sectors.   “The insights generated from this workshop will help shape evidence-based policies and investment plans, ensuring that climate adaptation efforts are not only impactful but also sustainable. As Eswatini continues its journey toward climate resilience, these discussions mark an essential step in securing a future that is adaptive, inclusive, and economically viable.”

In the meantime, Eswatini is stepping up its fight against climate change as the country faces increasing threats from extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, heatwaves, and wildfires. In its Initial Adaptation Communication (AdCom) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the government has outlined its strategy to build resilience and protect vulnerable communities.

With a heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture and climate-sensitive natural resources, Eswatini is highly exposed to the worsening climate crisis. The country has already experienced more frequent and intense droughts, devastating floods, and shifting weather patterns, impacting food security, water availability, and public health.

Eswatini’s adaptation plan identifies five priority sectors that require urgent intervention: water resources, ecosystems and biodiversity, health, infrastructure, and agriculture.

The government has put forward key adaptation measures to combat these challenges. In the water sector, efforts will focus on building storage infrastructure, improving governance, and strengthening early warning systems. For ecosystems and biodiversity, Eswatini aims to expand protected areas, restore degraded land, and control invasive species.

The health sector is also under threat, with climate change increasing the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria. The government plans to enhance disease surveillance, improve sanitation, and address malnutrition linked to climate-induced food shortages. Meanwhile, infrastructure projects will prioritize climate-proofing roads, bridges, and drainage systems to withstand extreme weather conditions. In agriculture, a shift towards climate-smart farming techniques, irrigation expansion, and better land management will help farmers adapt to changing rainfall patterns.

Despite these initiatives, Eswatini faces significant barriers to adaptation, including financial constraints, institutional capacity gaps, and policy fragmentation. The country heavily relies on international climate finance to implement many of its adaptation programs.

The government is currently developing a National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which will provide a long-term roadmap for climate resilience. However, officials stress that success hinges on international cooperation, funding, and knowledge-sharing. As climate threats intensify, Eswatini’s push for adaptation is more urgent than ever. The nation’s ability to withstand future climate shocks will depend on swift action, strong policies, and global support.