September 24, 2023

• SATS 14092 Introduction: The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has introduced SATS 14092 (2023), a technical specification that aids local governments and communities in South Africa to prepare for and manage the impacts of climate change. It aligns with the global ISO TS 14092 standard and focuses on conducting vulnerability, impact, and risk assessments.

• Climate Change Monitoring: SATS 14092 outlines the establishment of dedicated task teams responsible for monitoring various climate change-related parameters, including sea levels, humidity, precipitation, flooding, wind patterns, landslides, and more. Continuous monitoring allows local governments and communities to adapt their operations effectively and mitigate climate change risks.

• Not a Regulatory Document: SATS 14092 is not a regulatory framework but a comprehensive tool to identify and address climate change risks. It encourages local entities to plan and adapt proactively, emphasising the importance of developing adaptation plans and strategies to enhance climate resilience.

The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has unveiled a new South African technical specification (SATS) designed to assist local governments and communities in preparing for and managing the impact of climate change. SATS 14092 (2023), titled “Adaptation to Climate Change – Requirements and Guidance on Adaptation Planning for Local Governments and Communities,” is South Africa’s localised version of the ISO TS 14092 global standard. This framework supports local entities in adapting to climate change by conducting vulnerability, impact, and risk assessments.

As a full member of the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO), South Africa adopted SATS 14092 through the South African Technical Committee (SABS TC 207 – Environmental Management) in August. This initiative aims to address increasing climate change-related events such as floods, heatwaves, droughts, coastal erosion, and more observed globally.

SABS’s acting CEO, Sadhvir Bissoon, emphasised the importance of SATS 14092 in helping local governments and communities identify climate change risks and plan for effective adaptation strategies. He clarified that SATS 14092 is not a regulatory document and does not replace existing environmental legislation but serves as a comprehensive tool to ensure the identification and mitigation of climate change risks.

The technical specification, SATS 14092, outlines the establishment of dedicated task teams responsible for monitoring climate change impacts. These teams will track a range of variables, including sea level rise, humidity levels, precipitation patterns, flooding, storm surges, wind characteristics, landslides, heatwave effects, water scarcity, changes in land use, and agricultural productivity.

Through ongoing monitoring and evaluation, local governments and communities can proactively plan and adapt their operations to mitigate climate change-related risks. SATS 14092 provides practical examples of adaptation plans and a step-by-step process for local governments to develop strategies to address the challenges posed by climate change.

Local government authorities and associations are encouraged to acquire SATS 14092 through the SABS webstore. Additionally, SABS is open to collaborating on developing training and information sessions related to implementing SATS 14092. This new technical specification represents a significant step toward strengthening South Africa’s resilience to the effects of climate change and ensuring the well-being of its communities.

SABS has released SATS 14092, a technical specification designed to guide local governments and communities in South Africa in preparing for and managing the impacts of climate change. This framework, aligned with international standards, empowers entities to conduct assessments, develop adaptation plans, and proactively address climate change-related risks. While not a regulatory document, SATS 14092 provides a valuable tool for enhancing climate resilience and safeguarding communities’ economic, environmental, and social well-being nationwide.