WATER

Capetonians found themselves uncomfortably close to the reality of what climate change looks and feels like in a 1 in 590-year drought event. The battle was fierce, but Cape Town was able to get through the drought and avoid ‘Day Zero’ by reducing water consumption by 55% in three years. Cape Town’s resilience captured the world’s imagination, and so, was named the world record holder for water-saving efforts by the International Water Association. But nobody can accurately predict the future climate and water availability. Cape Town needs to make plans that are robust in the context of this uncertainty. This strategy provides a roadmap for the creation of a future in which Cape Town will be more resilient to climate and other shocks.