Current Weather in Swakopmund

Namibia is located in southwestern Africa, characterized by vast deserts and a dry climate. This environment has a profound impact on people's lifestyles, cultures, and their relationship with nature, fostering a unique weather awareness.

Wisdom of Living with Drought

Existence of the Namib Desert

• The Namib Desert, said to be the world's oldest desert, occupies a significant portion of the country's land, and the extremely dry climate affects daily life.
• Residents devise methods for securing water and protecting themselves from sunlight, passing down adaptive living wisdom through generations.

Importance of Water and Water-Saving Culture

• With little annual rainfall, especially in the interior, rainwater and groundwater are precious resources.
• There is a strong awareness of water conservation in agriculture and daily life, and techniques and habits for water storage and reuse are deeply rooted.

Fusion of Climate and Traditional Culture

Climate Sensitivity of the San and Himba Peoples

• Indigenous peoples, such as the San (Bushmen) and Himba, are sensitive to changes in climate and weather, utilizing this knowledge in hunting and herding.
• The ability to read the signs of nature from the sky, clouds, and wind movements has been passed down as a cultural heritage.

Traditional Architecture and Climate Adaptation

• Dwellings made with mud bricks and thatched roofs have a structure that excels in insulation and ventilation, designed to mitigate heat.
• In urban areas, climate-responsive architectural styles are being re-evaluated, attracting attention from the perspective of energy efficiency and comfort.

Relationship Between Weather Information and Modern Life

Understanding of Rainy and Dry Seasons and Lifestyle Rhythm

• In Namibia, November to March is the rainy season, and April to October is the dry season.
• The arrival of the rainy season is crucial for agriculture, pastoralism, and water supply, influencing the life cycle and celebrations of the people.

Information Sharing via Meteorological Office and Radio

• The national meteorological office (Namibia Meteorological Service) distributes weather information for farmers and herders.
• Through radio and community gatherings, awareness of climate change and abnormal weather is also promoted.

Attitude Towards Changes in Nature

Vigilance Against Desertification and Climate Change

• Due to climate change, there are concerns about the intensification of drought and changes in rainfall patterns in Namibia.
• The government and NGOs are advancing sustainable agriculture, pastoralism, and environmental education.

Fusion of Sustainability and Tradition

• A resilient living model that combines traditional wisdom and scientific approaches is being sought.
• Climate adaptation measures deeply rooted in the community, such as eco-tourism and community-led water resource management, are being implemented.

Summary

Namibia's weather awareness is supported by practical and sustainable wisdom honed in living alongside a harsh natural environment. The movement to combine modern science and technology with traditional knowledge may provide hints for thriving in the era of climate change ahead.