Original Research

Information and communication technology and climate change adaptation: Evidence from selected mining companies in South Africa

Bartholomew I. Aleke, Godwell Nhamo
Jàmbá: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies | Vol 8, No 3 | a250 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jamba.v8i3.250 | © 2016 Bartholomew I. Aleke, Godwell Nhamo | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 29 September 2015 | Published: 29 April 2016

About the author(s)

Bartholomew I. Aleke, Department of Agricultural Economics, Management & Extension, Ebonyi State University, Nigeria; Institute for Corporate Citizenship, University of South Africa, South Africa
Godwell Nhamo, Institute for Corporate Citizenship, University of South Africa, South Africa

Abstract

The mining sector is a significant contributor to the gross domestic product of many global economies. Given the increasing trends in climate-induced disasters and the growing desire to find lasting solutions, information and communication technology (ICT) has been introduced into the climate change adaptation mix. Climate change-induced extreme weather events such as flooding, drought, excessive fog, and cyclones have compounded the environmental challenges faced by the mining sector. This article presents the adoption of ICT innovation as part of the adaptation strategies towards reducing the mining sector’s vulnerability and exposure to climate change disaster risks. Document analysis and systematic literature review were adopted as the methodology. Findings from the study reflect how ICT intervention orchestrated changes in communication patterns which are tailored towards the reduction in climate change vulnerability and exposure. The research concludes with a proposition that ICT intervention must be part of the bigger and ongoing climate change adaptation agenda in the mining sector.

Keywords: ICT; climate change; disaster risk reduction; mining; adaptation; South Africa


Keywords

ICT; climate change; disaster risk reduction; mining; adaptation; South Africa

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doi: 10.4102/jamba.v9i1.383