Climate change is acknowledged by the United Nations as the defining human development challenge of the 21st century. The 2nd edition of the "Climate Risk and Vulnerability Handbook for Southern Africa" presents the latest available scientific knowledge on the nature of climate change and its implications for the region. The handbook serves as an important guide for climate and development practitioners, students, researchers, and policy-makers. This summary provides an accessible and southern Africa-specific overview of evidence for climate change, projected future climates, potential impacts across sectors, and responses to reduce risk (adaptation and disaster risk reduction).