This handbook explores how climate change and variability affect southern Africa. By analysing a number of case studies, the handbook presents how climate has changed in the region, the impact of climate change to key sectors and ways to deal with climate-related challenges. The report argues that some of the global changes in surface air temperature can be unequivocally linked to a human influence. The report notes that according to climate model projections, southern Africa’s surface temperature, as well as minimum and maximum temperatures, are likely to continue rising during the 21st century. The handbook also identifies areas and groups that are most vulnerable and suggests priority interventions.The report gives the following recommendations.

• Climate change risks should be considered when planning development projects and programmes.
• Vulnerability and risk reduction and the mainstreaming of adaptation measures must be included into development initiatives and activities.
• New institutions and coordination mechanisms need to be created for the implementation of integrated disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation efforts. 
• New mechanisms for information sharing and knowledge management must be established.
• Institutional frameworks that allow the participation of all relevant stakeholders, such as NGOs, need to be created.