The rate of change to the earth's climate exceeds the ability of all types of ecosystems (marine, coastal, freshwater, and terrestrial) to adapt as well as compromising their ability to function effectively. Ecosystems provide important services to society, such as the formation of soil; the provision of food, fresh water, wood, fibre and fuel; the regulation of climate, floods and the spread of disease; protection from storm surges and floods; and a range of cultural, spiritual, educational and recreational services. The protection of biodiversity, habitats and ecosystems is essential to the maintenance of these services, which is a key pillar for sustainable development. It is acknowledged that Africa, as a whole, has contributed least to GHG concentrations in the atmosphere, but also faces some of the worst consequences and generally has the least capacity to cope with climate change impacts. However, it is also recognised that South Africa is a relatively significant contributor to global climate change with significant GHG emission levels from its energy- intensive, fossil-fuel powered economy. On the other hand, South Africa is extremely vulnerable and exposed to the impacts of climate change due to our socio-economic and environmental context. Climate variability, including the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, will disproportionately affect the poor. South Africa is already a water-stressed country and we face future drying trends and weather variability with cycles of droughts and sudden excessive rains. We have to urgently strengthen the resilience of our society and economy to such climate change impacts and to develop and implement policies, measures, mechanisms and infrastructure that protect the most vulnerable. The science is clear that action to address the causes and impacts of climate change by a single country or small group of countries will not be successful. This is a global