South Africa reported it fist case of COVID-19 on 5 March 2020. While the first cases were imported, local transmission has led to a rapid increase in the number of cases. As of 21 April 2020, more than 3,400 cases and 58 deaths had been confirmed.

Southern Africa—which is on the frontlines of the global climate crisis—has been buffeted by back-to-back shocks, with erratic and uneven rainfall since November 2019 causing both floods and drought.

This publication, which highlights success stories and lessons learned, is aimed at a wide audience. The intent is to further raise awareness of the devastation that an environmental emergency can cause, and to promote advocacy and action in response. It also aims to highlight the strong need to integrate humanitarian and environmental action.