The R20bn risk – discussion on impacts of Sea Level Rise

As part of the Cambridge Resilience Forum, we present a Forum Discussion on:

The Financial and Human Impact of Sea Level Rise
Wednesday 30 September 2009
17:30 – 19:30
Townhouse Hotel, 60 Corporation Street, Cape Town

Some climate scientists believe that we may have underestimated the tempo of sea level rise. Sea level rise could have a severe human and financial impact on low-lying coastal areas. What is the latest scientific evidence indicating? How will sea level rise impact property investment and insurance? How are we going to deal with disaster impact and the mass resettlement of people?

These are just some of the questions that will be discussed by our expert panel consisting of:

• Prof Geoff Brundrit – Special Advisor on Oceans and Climate Change, National Department of Environmental Affairs
• Anton Cartwright - Economist, Stockholm Environmental Institute
• Rian Mouton – Santam Facultative Reinsurance
• Gregg Oelofse – Environmental Resource Management, City of Cape Town

A 2008 sea-level rise risk assessment done on behalf of the City of Cape Town concluded that within the next 25 years there is a 85% probability of 60,9km2 (2% of Metro area) being covered by sea for a short period. The accompanying expected loss of real estate value is just under R20bn.

The report concludes:
“The sovereign risk of sea-level rise for the City of Cape Town is significant and will increase in the next 25 years regardless of reductions in greenhouse gas”.

This importance of gaining understanding on sea level rise therefore cannot be over emphasized. Come and join us to learn, with other professionals, about this topic.

Non Forum members pay R230 to attend, but why not join the Forum and get great discount on a year’s seminars?

For more information and to book your seat, please contact Magda de Kok on magda.dekok@cpsl.cam.ac.uk