The latest report by a United Nations scientific panel, The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released this week said the world’s climate was changing at ‘unprecedented ‘levels. What does that portend for Africa?
Africa has been extremely vulnerable to climate changes. The changes in temperature have aggravated its deep rooted problems such as poverty, water scarcity, limited infrastructure, conflicts, and rapid urbanization and so on. Climate change-led crises like droughts, floods and cyclones continue to threaten the continent’s economic growth, employment, and food security.
The latest IPCC report paints a grim picture. It forecasts an increase in average temperatures more than the global average across Africa. Warm climate means dry conditions, more frequent flooding and heavy rain fall. The continental shores are projected to experience more Maritime heat waves and sea level rises as well. These projections can be disastrous for a continent where livelihoods of most people, are dependent on rain-fed agriculture. Agriculture sustains two thirds of Africa’s employment with more than 80% of farming conducted by small- to medium-scale farmers who are at the mercy of climate change events.
According to the report, Southern African region is likely to witness an increase in aridity, and droughts as already witnessed in South Africa and Madagascar. This has far reaching ramifications for all sectors such as agriculture, water and health. Droughts would adversely affect hydroelectric generation potential as seen in the case of Kariba Dam in Zimbabwe and Zambia. The frequency of tropical storms in the region has also gone up due to the increasing sea temperatures leading to severe loss of life and property in Mozambique and Madagascar.
In the case of eastern Africa, a shortening of rainfall season has been predicted. The soaring temperature is expected to reduce the snow and glaciers in the region and also lead to rise in Malaria cases especially in the highland areas within the region.
Climate change is expected to trigger extreme heat waves in Northern Africa leading to severe water scarcity and higher aridity that already has started emerging in the region and worsen. Another risk is the increase in forest fires, a threat to ecosystems. Algeria for instance has reportedalmost 100 fires.
Similarly, agricultural and ecological droughts are predicted for the West and central Africa precipitating the water crisis in the region. With the rising sea levels, coastal flooding is another threat like the recent cases in Lagos. This can lead to massive destruction to delicate coastal ecosystems and will displace communities that live in coastal towns.
In short, the report gives a worrying picture of Africa’s challenges ahead impacting nearly all socio-economic sectors from agriculture, water, environment to infrastructure. A continental strategy and strong response mechanism is imperative to deal with the challenges posed by the climate change. Africa also needs global support in its battle against climate change. It is worth acknowledging that ensuring Africa’s resilience would not just help Africa. It’s essential for ensuring global food security.
