Facing the Heat in South Africa by Vishwas Satgar

ISBN: 9781067235291

Jacana Media | March 2026

Paperback | 154 pages

Southern Africa is heating at twice the global average. With the failure of the UN multi-lateral process to rapidly phase out fossil fuels, the world has lost the opportunity to prevent a 1.5ºC overshoot. South Africa and the region have to brace for 3ºC. The country is completely unprepared for this post-normal reality. Through photography this book documents ten years of unfolding climate shocks, injustice and resistance after a 1ºC overshoot at a global level. It gives powerful insights into the complexity of climate extremes and how the meaning of weather has changed. As a photographic archive it also provides forensic evidence for how an uncaring and criminalised political leadership, addicted to fossil fuels, is force marching the country into climate disaster. South Africa has used coal for more than 100 years, has a carbon intensive economy and is addicted to fossil fuels. It does not have a future if it continues down this path. This book echoes the warnings of climate science but also amplifies the case for climate justice solutions to secure a livable, just and democratic future for all.