School for
Climate Studies
Approaching Climate Challenges Holistically


Processes that support economic development are now significantly altering the climate, the oceans and land surfaces. South Africa faces the task of balancing economic growth and transformation with the sustainable use of environmental resources and responding to climate change. The transitions and changes that are needed are amongst the most challenging ever faced by modern societies.

Research and development

Learning and teaching

Collaboration, capacity building
and consultancy

Commercialisation and social impact
Strategic Research Areas

Guy Midgley has worked in the fields of global change and biodiversity science since the 1980s, and took up a Professorship at Stellenbosch University (Botany and Zoology) in 2014. He has held lead roles in international and national scientific assessments in climate change risks. With over 170 publications, he is rated amongst the top 200 most influential climate change scientists globally. He is a holder of the SA Royal Society Marloth Medal and Humboldt Foundation Research Award for lifetime science contributions.