Climate change 'significantly' worsened southern Africa floods: studyJohannesburg (AFP) Jan 29, 2026 - Areas of southern Africa received a year's worth of rainfall in just 10 days in January as climate change made devastating floods "significantly more intense", scientists said Thursday. The international group assesses the role of climate change in extreme weather events. The government had argued it was an "autonomous task" of the local authorities to develop a plan to counter the ravages of climate change. The ICJ opinion, requested by the United Nations, aimed to clarify international law as it relates to climate change. Greenpeace's Vellekoop said Wednesday's Dutch ruling would have a huge impact on future cases.