Research Articles (University of Pretoria)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/121

This collection offers open access to the full text of research articles published by staff, students and affiliates of the University of Pretoria. These items are identical in content to their published counterparts. It is linked to the Research Information System and complements the Annual Research Report.

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A refusal to abandon HIV science
(Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2025-05) Hatcher, Abigail M.; Metheny, Nicholas; Dunkle, K.L.; Fielding-Miller, Rebecca
No abstract available.
Assessing the economic viability of sustainable pasture and rangeland management practices : a review
(MDPI, 2025-04) Rapiya, Monde; Mndela, Mthunzi;; Truter, Wayne; Ramoelo, Abel
The livestock sector is crucial for global food security and economic development, particularly in developing nations, as it supports the livelihoods of approximately 1.3 billion people. However, with the global population expected to reach 9.2 billion by 2050, the sector must address increasing demand for livestock products while ensuring environmental sustainability. This study used the available literature to evaluate the economic viability of sustainable pasture and rangeland management practices to enhance livestock production. The key findings demonstrate that strategies such as rotational grazing and nitrogen fertilization can decrease winter feed costs by up to 40% while simultaneously improving pasture productivity and animal weight gains. Initial investments in these improved forage practices offer high internal rates of return, indicating their profitability. To guide sustainable pasture production and rangeland management, we propose a conceptual framework that balances cultivated pastures and natural rangelands. This framework assesses critical factors, including input costs, expected outputs (enhanced biodiversity and livestock production), and interventions to mitigate land degradation. For successful adoption of these practices, targeted policies are essential. Governments should develop financial support mechanisms for smallholder farmers, improve transportation infrastructure for efficient feed logistics, and provide technical assistance to educate producers on sustainable practices. Engaging stakeholders to align policies with local needs is also vital. By implementing these strategic interventions, the resilience of livestock systems can be strengthened, contributing to long-term sustainability and supporting food security and rural community well-being.
Improved runs-rules precedence charts for monitoring the process location parameter
(Springer, 2025-04) Human, Schalk William; Malela-Majika, Jean-Claude; Kritzinger, Pierre; malela.mjc@up.ac.za
Runs-rules are typically incorporated into control charts to increase their sensitivity to detect small process shifts. However, a drawback of this approach is that the resulting charts are unable to detect large shifts quickly. In this paper, improved runs-rules are introduced to the nonparametric precedence chart to address this limitation by maintaining the sensitivity to small process shifts, while improving the ability to detect large shifts in the process. Performance comparisons between the proposed precedence charts and the precedence charts with standard runs-rules are made in terms of their respective run-length characteristics. The results reveal that the precedence charts with improved runs-rules are superior to the competing charts in detecting large shifts in the process, while maintaining the same sensitivity in the detection of small shifts. A real-life example from the engineering field is given to demonstrate the application and implementation of the new charts.
A power-cardioid candidate for wind direction modelling motivated by two South African case studies
(Springer, 2025-04) Van Wyk-de Ridder, Delene; Rad, Najmeh Nakhaei; Arashi, Mohammad; Ferreira, Johan; Bekker, Andriette, 1958-; johan.ferreira@up.ac.za
Wind energy claims a positive image globally; therefore, accurate modelling of wind direction at generation sites accurately can enhance the potential of this green energy source. The uncertain nature of wind direction can be modelled through probability distributions; in this paper, we propose a flexible yet simple distribution, namely the Power-Cardioid distribution, as an alternative and implementable candidate to model wind direction. After discussing some characteristics, the performance of the Power-Cardioid distribution is evaluated via a simulation study and applied to datasets of two wind farms in South Africa. The numerical results demonstrate that this distribution is a promising and exciting new candidate compared to well-known models within circular statistics.
Unpacking experienced and novice science teachers’ understandings of teacher talk in whole class discussions
(Routledge, 2025) Khoza, Hlologelo Climant; Magadlela, Nomhle; climant.khoza@up.ac.za
While there is a vast literature arguing that teacher talk in whole class discussions is a determinant of quality science teaching, teachers’ understanding of enacting teacher talk is under-researched. Using teacher cognition as a theoretical lens, the purpose of this study was to explore how experienced and novice science teachers in South Africa understand teacher talk in whole class discussions. Multiple case-study design was adopted and data was collected from thirteen science teachers through interviews. Six of these teachers were considered novices and seven were considered experienced. A thematic analysis approach was used to make sense of the data. The teachers’ nature of understanding was further categorised into authoritative, constructivist and transitional. A notable finding is that the majority of novice teachers displayed a constructivist profile while a majority of experienced teacher displayed an authoritative profile. Novice teachers seemed to understand a larger variety of ways to enact talk in whole class discussions regardless of their nature of understanding as compared with experienced teachers. However, the experienced teachers understanding revealed a distinct factor that influences talk, i.e. the sociolinguistic factor. In contrast, the novice science teachers emphasised their content knowledge as a contributing factor to teacher talk. We conclude that since the quality of science teaching is dependent on teacher talk, continued professional development to strengthen teacher talk is not only to be targeted at novice teachers but also at experienced teachers.
We are on our own : the neglected voices of the boy-child in adolescent sexual and reproductive health in Vhembe District, Limpopo, South Africa
(Women’s Health and Action Research Centre, 2025-03) Mulaudzi, Fhumulani Mavis; Seretlo, Raikane J.; Musie, Maurine Rofhiwa; Sepeng, Nombulelo Veronica; mavis.mulaudzi@up.ac.za
Adolescent reproductive health activities and programmes have been made available to adolescents at schools, non-governmental organisations, and youth-friendly services. However, boys feel neglected as services are mostly catered for girls. This study reflects the neglected voices of a boy-child in Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in Vhembe District in Limpopo province of South Africa. The study was conducted using a cooperative inquiry design. The data were collected using the Lekgotla discussion method. Data were analysed using NVIVO software version 14 and five steps of thematic analysis were followed during the data analysis. The main themes were as follows: We are on our own, Distorted information on Boko (masturbation); boys don’t get pregnant”; Discussion about sex with elders is taboo; Programmes are centred around a girl-child. The findings revealed that boys felt isolated as they had to rely on friends to teach them methods of preventing pregnancy that can be used by boys, such as masturbation and pulling out. They also felt that discussing sex education with parents and teachers is taboo. It is, therefore, recommended that there is a need for the Department of Health Services to consider having boy-friendly services to assist boys in managing their sexuality.
Experiences of postnatal mothers regarding the implementation of maternal and neonatal referral system guidelines in Mopani District in the Limpopo Province, South Africa
(Women’s Health and Action Research Centre, 2025-02) Mosehla, Kgadi Ruth; Rasweswe, Melitah M.; Peu, Mmapheko Doriccah
South Africa experiences challenges of maternal mortality, caused by pregnancy related conditions. Limpopo Province as one of the provinces in South Africa, is also affected. There are challenges facing obstetric emergency referrals, despite the availability of maternal/neonatal referral system guidelines. Therefore, this study explored the experiences of postnatal mothers aiming at facilitation of prompt referral of obstetric emergencies. Descriptive phenomenological research methods were used. The study was conducted in two selected sites, a maternity unit of a district hospital and a primary healthcare facility (fixed clinic), which is a feeder clinic to the district hospital in a selected sub-district of the Mopani district. Population were eleven (11) postnatal mothers. Purposive sampling was used. Data were collected using in- depth individual face -to- face interviews. Data was analysed using Colaizzi's seven procedural steps. Four essential meanings and their constituents were revealed: postnatal mothers' positive experiences, challenging experiences, consequences of challenges and post-natal mothers' recommendations. Health care facilities to be equipped with adequate, functional, safe, reliable, well equipped obstetrical equipment, material and human resources to facilitate prompt referral of obstetric emergencies.
Cross-realm biodiversity profile of the South African coastal zone
(Taylor and Francis, 2025) Harris, L.R.; Adams, J.B.; Dayaram, A.; Dunga, L.V.; Job, N.; Kirkman, S.P.; Lamberth, S.J.; Pfaff, M.C.; Raw, J.L.; Rishworth, G.M.; Robbins, A.; Sink, K.J.; Skowno, A.L.; Van Deventer, Heidi; Van Niekerk, L.
South Africa’s coast is 3 113 km long and includes microtidal shores that experience semi-diurnal tides and mostly high wave energy. From west to east, the cool Benguela Current and the warm Agulhas Current drive steep gradients in climate and environmental conditions, resulting in diverse coastal ecosystem types. Here, we review the biodiversity of South Africa’s coastal zone, focusing on the constituent ecosystem types from the terrestrial, freshwater, estuarine and marine realms, and provide a brief overview of cross-realm biodiversity patterns. We also give guidance on coastal boundaries to improve standardisation in this complex area to support assessment, planning and management. The ecologically determined coastal zone currently comprises 193 ecosystem types: 83 vegetation types (e.g. seashore vegetation, strandveld, duneveld, coastal forest); 22 estuary and 3 micro-estuary ecosystem types; and 85 marine ecosystem types (e.g. shores, islands, reefs, kelp forests, bays), with planned inclusion of freshwater types (e.g. coastal lakes, forested wetlands, dune slacks) in the future. Species richness is generally highest along the south and east coasts, with the highest levels of endemism mostly reported for the south coast. The South African coast is a national asset that warrants careful management for long-term sustainability to safeguard its unique biodiversity and many associated benefits for current and future generations.
The first decision of the African Commission on maternal mortality : Community Law Centre and Others v Nigeria
(Pretoria University Law Press (PULP), 2024) Durojaye, Ebenezer; Murungi, Nkatha; ebenezer.durojaye@up.ac.za ; nkatha.murungi@up.ac.za
This contribution examines the first decision of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights under the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (African Women’s Protocol), specific to the issue of maternal mortality. The discussion examines the issues raised in this Communication, and the findings of the African Commission in relation to admissibility and merits. More importantly, it evaluates the reasoning of the African Commission in relation to the decision on the merits, especially the reasons for the Commission’s finding that the actions and non-action of the Nigerian government did not constitute a violation of any of the rights under the African Charter and the African Women’s Protocol. The authors contend that the Commission adopted a restrictive and retrogressive approach to the interpretation of the African Charter and the African Women’s Protocol. Furthermore, the authors note that the Commission missed an opportunity to contribute to jurisprudence on sexual and reproductive health, including maternal health guaranteed in the African Women’s Protocol. It concludes by reflecting on the implications of this decision for future litigation on sexual and reproductive health and rights on the continent, particularly for the work of civil society and other stakeholders advocating for sexual and reproductive health and rights and other rights under the African Women’s Protocol.
Exploring mutual and exclusive biological information in cranial metric and morphological variables
(University of Florida Press, 2024-07) Stull, Kyra Elizabeth; New, Briana T.; Corron, Louise K.; Auchter, Leah E.; Spradley, Kate; Wolfe, Christopher A.; Chu, Elaine Y.; Hefner, Joseph T.
Evidence suggests that both craniometric and cranial morphoscopic (MMS) traits elucidate information about cranial phenotypic variation and are appropriate proxies of genetic variation. Yet, the types of variation underlying the expression of craniometric and MMS traits are unknown. Recent data sets of matched skeletal metric and MMS data enable a holistic exploration into the cranial phenotype. Subsequently, the current study strived to provide a better understanding of cranial data used to measure human variation in biological anthropology. Two contemporary U.S. samples were pooled to increase sample size and diversity. Following down-sampling for balanced representation of reported biological males and females, the final sample comprised 310 individuals. Twenty-five interlandmark distances and 11 MMS traits were used in numerous analyses: polychoric correlation, mutual information, mixed factor analysis, and factor analysis of mixed data. No demographic information besides reported biological sex was retained in the analyses. The results consistently indicate that having information about one data type does not provide certainty of another data type, even when the variables are analogous (i.e., nasal breadth and nasal aperture width). Findings reassert that skeletal variables should be analyzed jointly rather than independently to best capture the cranial phenotype. The results also highlight the differential influence of biological variables, such as sexual dimorphism, on the two types of cranial data. As data availability increases and additional matched data-type comparisons can be conducted, we will continue to gain a better understanding of the complexities surrounding skeletal phenotypic variation, evolutionary theory, and population affinity.
Profiling the diversity of the village chicken faecal microbiota using 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing data to reveal patterns of gut microbiome signatures
(Frontiers Media, 2025-02) Nene, Mxolisi; Kunene, Nokuthula W.; Pierneef, Rian; Hadebe, Khanyisile
INTRODUCTION: The production environment of extensively raised village chickens necessitates their adaptability to low-resource systems. The gut microbiome plays a critical role in supporting this adaptability by influencing health and productivity. This study aimed to investigate the diversity and functional capacities of the faecal microbiome in village chickens from Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa. METHODS: Using a combination of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and shotgun metagenomic sequencing technologies, we analysed 98 16S rRNA and 72 metagenomic datasets. Taxonomic profiles and functional gene annotations were derived, focusing on microbial diversity, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and potential zoonotic pathogens. RESULTS: Taxonomic analysis showed that the predominant phyla in both provinces were Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. At the genus level, Escherichia and Shigella were prevalent, with Escherichia coli and Shigella dysenteriae identified as major contributors to the gut microbiome. ARGs were identified, with MarA, PmrF, and AcrE detected in KwaZulu-Natal, and cpxA, mdtG, and TolA in Limpopo. These genes primarily mediate antibiotic efflux and alteration. DISCUSSION: The detection of zoonotic bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Streptococcus spp. highlights potential health risks to humans through the food chain, emphasizing the importance of improved household hygiene practices. This study underscores the role of the gut microbiome in village chicken health and adaptability, linking microbial diversity to production efficiency in lowresource settings. Targeted interventions and further research are crucial for mitigating zoonotic risks and enhancing sustainability in village chicken farming.
Modelling, analysis and sensory metrication towards a quantitative understanding of complexity in systems
(MDPI, 2024-11) Ball, Melissa Claire; Ayomoh, Michael Kweneojo; u18015914@tuks.co.za
Modelling and metrication of the complexity of systems have occupied a growing and largely underdeveloped problem space in the literature of complex systems. In this research, preliminary results depicting the complexity of a service system premised on a tertiary institution of learning is presented. The concept deployed focused on modelling the trio core entities viz: functional elements, physical elements and the intricacy of connectivity associated with the flow of signals in the normal systemic operations. The numerous activities depicting diversity and multiplicity were holistically enumerated prior to sensing and metrication. The outcome of this research underscores effectiveness in the proposed model.
Development and validation of a knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) questionnaire for healthcare professionals on environmental sustainability in healthcare in Southern Africa
(F1000 Research Ltd, 2024-10) Lister, Helga Elke; Mostert, Karien; Botha, Tanita; Field, Emma; Knock, Danté; Mubi, Natasha; Odendaal, Stefani; Rohde, Megan; Maric, Filip
BACKGROUND: The triple planetary crisis of climate change, environmental pollution, and biodiversity loss is increasingly driving poor health outcomes worldwide. Healthcare systems and services are often not environmentally sustainable and compound the problem, while healthcare professionals are also recognised as key leaders in advancing sustainable healthcare. To adopt this leadership position, healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding environmental sustainability in healthcare must be established. This article reports the development and validation of a new instrument for this purpose that corresponds to the specificities of the Southern African context. METHODS: Questionnaire development followed a seven-stage process. Information was obtained from a 2021 study titled ‘South African Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare: A Mixed Methods Study’ to develop the instrument. Information was also sourced from the literature regarding environmental sustainability and healthcare to generate the first questionnaire with 29 items. The following stages included two rounds of expert input, separated by a pilot study with the target population to receive feedback regarding the instrument’s structure, relevance, and length. Content validity was determined through statistical analysis. RESULTS: Feedback was received from nine experts in stage two and 13 pilot study participants in stage four and incorporated to improve the questionnaire. In stage six, the questionnaire was rated by seven experts. The content validity index of the questionnaire was calculated at two different stages, after which the indices were compared. Following a final edit, the questionnaire has 24 questionnaire items. The closing analysis calculated the scale content validity index average (S-CVI/Ave) of 0,922; this indicates that the final questionnaire has excellent content validity. CONCLUSION: A questionnaire that assesses the knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare professionals regarding environmental sustainability in Southern Africa has been developed and validated. This questionnaire can now be used for further studies in Southern Africa.
Special focus : implementation of decisions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
(Pretoria University Law Press, 2024-12-01) Viljoen, Frans; Adegalu, Foluso; Olaitan, Zainab
This Special Focus is devoted to the implementation of decisions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Commission), the longest-standing African supranational human rights body with continental coverage. The nine articles in this Special Focus were presented as papers at a conference on the theme ‘Implementation and domestic impact of the decisions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’, held from 13 to 15 September 2023, in Pretoria, South Africa. The conference, organised by the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria (Centre), in collaboration with the African Commission, provided a scholarly platform for scholars, practitioners and other stakeholders to address the critical gap between the issuance of decisions by the African Commission and their effective implementation at the national level. The editors of the Special Focus at the time were the director of the Centre, the co-manager of the Centre’s Litigation and Implementation Unit, and a post-doctoral fellow in that unit.
Reinstatement of Aloe mutans (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), a distinctive, endemic, maculate aloe from the central Limpopo province of South Africa
(Magnolia Press, 2024-03-12) Smith, Gideon F.; Figueiredo, Estrela; Klopper, Ronell Renett
Until 1987, Aloe mutans (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae) was accepted as a distinctive species of maculate aloe from South Africa’s Limpopo province. However, this species thereafter often has been included in the synonymy of A. greatheadii var. davyana. Recently, A. davyana was separated from A. greatheadii at the rank of species, which requires reconsideration of the taxonomic status of A. mutans. It is shown that A. mutans differs from A. davyana in several vegetative and reproductive morphological characters so warranting its recognition at the rank of species. Aloe mutans is therefore here reinstated as an accepted species. Both A. mutans and A. davyana are illustrated and an amplified description is provided for A. mutans.
Petalidium namibense (Acanthaceae), a new species from Namibia
(Magnolia Press, 2024-11-12) Swanepoel, Wessel; Van Wyk, Abraham Erasmus (Braam)
Petalidium namibense, hitherto confused with P. englerianum, P. rossmannianum, and the widespread P. variabile, is here described as a new species. It is a range-restricted species, only known from the area to the southwest, west and northwest of Puros in the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, northwestern Namibia, where it grows at the base of rocky outcrops, on arid hillsides, and along ephemeral riverbeds and drainage lines. Diagnostic characters for P. namibense include the pale grey appearance of the plants, corky bark on older stems, vegetative parts with a dense white indumentum of relative long dendritic trichomes appearing lanate, flowers borne in short few-flowered dichasia, and bracteoles narrowly ovate. The flowers of P. namibense are distinctive in having the two upper corolla lobes discolorous, abaxially light brown, adaxially vermillion, without nectar guides, and connate towards the base for 25–40% of their length. The anterior lobe is adaxially magenta with two relative long, narrowly triangular yellow nectar guides. The two lateral lobes are adaxially vermillion, or distally magenta, grading to vermillion towards the throat, and lack conspicuous nectar guides. A comparison of key morphological features distinguishing P. namibense from P. sesfonteinense, its closest relative in appearance, as well as from P. englerianum, P. rossmannianum, and P. variabile, is provided. Based on IUCN Red List criteria, a provisional conservation assessment of Vulnerable (VU) is recommended for the new species.
Gene transfer between fungal species triggers repeated coffee wilt disease outbreaks
(Public Library of Science, 2024-12-06) Wingfield, Brenda D.; Wingfield, Michael J.; brenda.wingfield@fabi.up.ac.za
Two outbreaks of coffee wilt disease have devastated African coffee production. A PLOS Biology study suggests that horizontal gene transfer via large Starship transposons between 2 fungal species played a key role in the repeated emergence of the disease.
On the impact of re-mating and residual fertility on the sterile insect technique efficacy : case study with the medfly, Ceratitis capitata
(Public Library of Science, 2024-05-06) Dumont, Yves; Oliva, Clelia F.
The sterile insect technique (SIT) can be an efficient solution for reducing or eliminating certain insect pest populations. It is widely used in agriculture against fruit flies, including the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata. The re-mating tendency of medfly females and the fact that the released sterile males may have some residual fertility could be a challenge for the successful implementation of the SIT. Obtaining the right balance between sterility level and sterile male quality (competitiveness, longevity, etc) is the key to a cost-efficient program. Since field experimental approaches can be impacted by many environmental variables, it is difficult to get a clear understanding on how specific parameters, alone or in combination, may affect the SIT efficiency. The use of models not only helps to gather knowledge, but it allows the simulation of a wide range of scenarios and can be easily adapted to local populations and sterile male production. In this study, we consider single- and double-mated females. We first show that SIT can be successful only if the residual fertility is less than a threshold value that depends on the basic offspring number of the targeted pest population, the re-mating rates, and the parameters of double-mated females. Then, we show how the sterile male release rate is affected by the parameters of double-mated females and the male residual fertility. Different scenarios are explored with continuous and periodic sterile male releases, with and without ginger aromatherapy, which is known to enhance sterile male competitiveness, and also taking into account some biological parameters related to females that have been mated twice, either first by a wild (sterile) male and then a sterile (wild) male, or by two wild males only. Parameter values were chosen for peach as host fruit to reflect what could be expected in the Corsican context, where SIT against the medfly is under consideration. Our results suggest that ginger aromatherapy can be a decisive factor determining the success of SIT against medfly. We also emphasize the importance of estimating the duration of the refractory period between matings depending on whether a wild female has mated with a wild or sterile male. Further, we show the importance of parameters, like the (hatched) eggs deposit rate and the death-rate related to all fertile double-mated females. In general, re-mating is considered to be detrimental to SIT programs. However, our results show that, depending on the parameter values of double-mated females, re-mating may also be beneficial for SIT. Our model can be easily adapted to different contexts and species, for a broader understanding of release strategies and management options.
Southern Ocean food-webs and climate change : a short review and future directions
(Public Library of Science, 2024-03-11) Queiros, Jose P.; Borras-Chavez, Renato; Friscourt, Noemie; Groß, Jasmin; Lewis, Candice B.; Mergard, Georgia; O’Brien, Katie
Food-webs are a critical feature of ecosystems and help us understand how communities will respond to climate change. The Southern Ocean is facing rapid and accelerating changes due to climate change. Though having evolved in an isolated and somewhat extreme environment, Southern Ocean biodiversity and food-webs are among the most vulnerable. Here, we review 1) current knowledge on Southern Ocean food-webs; 2) methods to study foodwebs; 3) assessment of current and future impacts of climate change on Southern Ocean food-webs; 4) knowledge gaps; and 5) the role of Early Career Researchers (ECRs) in future studies. Most knowledge on Southern Ocean food-webs come from the pelagic environment, both at macro- and microbial levels. Modelling and diet studies of individual species are major contributors to the food-web knowledge. These studies revealed a short food-web, predominantly sustained by Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba). Additionally, alternative pathways exist, involving other krill species, fish, and squid, which play equally important roles in connecting primary producers with top predators. Advantages and disadvantages of several techniques used to study Southern Ocean food-webs were identified, from the classical analyses of stomach contents, scats, or boluses to the most recent approaches such as metabarcoding and trophic-biomarkers. Observations show that climate change can impact the foodweb in different ways. As an example, changes to smaller phytoplankton species can lengthen the food-web, increasing assimilation losses and/or changing nutrient cycles. Future studies need to focus on the benthic-dominated food-webs and the benthopelagic coupling. Furthermore, research during the winter season and below the ice-shelves is needed as these areas may play a crucial role in the functioning of this ecosystem. ECRs can play a significant role in advancing the study of Southern Ocean food-webs due to their willingness for interdisciplinary collaboration and proficiency in employing various methodologies, contributing to the construction of high-resolution food-webs.
Advancing action on the UN sustainable development goals
(Public Library of Science, 2024-01-04) Archer, Emma Rosa Mary; Males, Jamie
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of objectives that were agreed by the global community in 2015 as a “shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future” [1]. Climate action is directly embodied in one of the seventeen goals (SDG 13), in recognition of the extreme risks to humanity posed by the impacts of climate change. However, as highlighted in a recent report by the World Meteorological Organization [2], the intensifying effects of climate change are rapidly undermining progress on almost all the SDGs. These interactions look set to become even more important as it appears increasingly likely that we will exceed 1.5 C of warming.

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