South Africa is a great place for modern science projects. Here is why: great scientists like Carolus Linneaus, John Herschel and Charles Darwin had an early interest in our richly endowed natural heritage, establishing a tradition of high science before many others.

Accidents of geography have our interior lie at an above average sea level elevation leading down to thin coastal plains bordered by narrow continental shelves in most places. South Africa is surrounded by two of the earth’s greatest oceans that stroke the sub-tropical high pressure belt that determines our meteorology. University scholars have studied our heritage and developed a global reputation in oceanography, marine geology, meteorology, weather system specialisms and occupy today a very important place in knowledge about climate change.

Cape Town newspaper, Die Burger, has reviewed Nature's Gifts by Wilmot James.  Download the PDF version here.

The Salzburg Global Seminar invites you to an evening with Wilmot James, Member of the South Africa Parliament, Federal Chairperson for the opposition Democratic Alliance & Shadow Minister of Basic Education and celebrate the release of his new book:

Nature’s Gifts
Why we are the way we are

November 11, 2010
1730 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 250
Washington, DC 20006
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

book signing, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres

RSVP to Adam Beeson at (202) 637-7683 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Space is limited - RSVP by October 27