40°C Temperatures Hit Namibia

Windhoek, Namibia's capital, is a fast-growing city spread across hills and valleys, facing significant climate change challenges. The city's rainfall is low and unpredictable, while temperatures can rise as high as 40°C. These conditions are not unique to Windhoek, as cities like Gaborone in Botswana experience similar intense heat, scarce water, and regular droughts.

Locals in Windhoek, however, have a unique appreciation for the city's dry landscape, describing it as 'brown is beautiful'. This natural and cultural identity is valued by the community, but it is not well-represented in the government's climate plans. Despite Namibia having good climate policies on paper, they focus primarily on climate risks and disaster management, rather than incorporating nature-based solutions.

Nature-based solutions, such as using trees, plants, wetlands, and other natural features, can help cool urban areas, manage floods, and assist people in coping with climate change. However, the government's climate plans and policies in Namibia are not resulting in real-life projects that utilize these solutions. Researchers have reviewed national and city policies on climate change and resilience, and interviewed municipal officials, urban planners, academics, and community representatives to assess the implementation of climate plans.

## What it means The lack of implementation of nature-based solutions in Windhoek's climate plans has significant implications for the city's ability to adapt to climate change. As the city continues to grow, it is essential to incorporate local knowledge and values into climate planning to ensure a more sustainable and resilient future. The 'brown is beautiful' concept, embraced by locals, could be a crucial aspect of this approach, allowing the city to work with its natural environment rather than against it.

## Why it matters African cities, including Windhoek, are facing an urgent need to adapt to climate change. Rising temperatures, scarce water, and intense heat are becoming increasingly common, making it essential to find effective solutions. Nature-based solutions offer a promising approach, but their implementation requires a shift in government policies and planning. By incorporating local knowledge and values, cities like Windhoek can create more sustainable and resilient environments, ultimately improving the lives of their citizens.