
By Jeff Kapembwa
Climate change spells doom fort Africa’s future unless leaders invest in adaptation and mitigation through collective action, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns in a report.
Despite contributing a paltry four-percent to global GreenHouse Gas emissions-far less than China-India, United States, the European Union-the developed countries, Africa has suffered worse environmental and human degradations.
This has been spurred by climate change effects-affecting the continent’s food security-leaving over 800 million people on the continent food insecure.
Research by Taylor and Francis Online, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation estimates an estimated 800 million people in Africa are food insecure, with climate change being a key driver of this insecurity as last year, findings show.
The Food Security Monitor (2024) estimates that 17% of Africa’s population is exposed to food insecurity, and at least 43 million people are experiencing hunger notes that climate change reduces crop yields and agricultural productivity.
It estimates a -34% reduction in agricultural productivity growth since 1961 due to climate change.
The largest emitters of greenhouse gases contributing to climate change China, the United States, India, and the European Union have hyped emission of Green House Gases (GHGs) emissions and globally repay very little or nothing to pacify over the damage to the planet.
These nations, along with others, are responsible for a significant portion of global emissions, largely driven by industrial activities, electricity generation, and the burning of fossil fuels.
The United Nations weather agency warns about Africa’s vulnerability to climate-induced crisis which is intensifying.
It notes 2024 either marking the warmest or second-warmest year on record. The past decade, it says stands as the hottest ever.
This is driving extreme weather that’s hitting the continent hard, fueling devastating hunger and displacing communities though floods and other calamities arguing:
“From relentless droughts to devastating floods, these changes are deepening hunger, fueling insecurity, and displacing communities across the region.” The report adds.
There are rising temperatures that are amplifying existing challenges as a result. In East Africa, prolonged dry spells have crippled agriculture, while West African nations face increasingly erratic rainfall, threatening food security.
Coastal areas, particularly in countries like Mozambique, are battling rising sea levels and stronger storms, which erode infrastructure and livelihoods.
The report underscores that Africa, despite contributing the least to global emissions, bears a disproportionate burden of climate impacts. Yet, the report notes, African innovators and leaders are stepping up.
Renewable energy projects, like Kenya’s wind farms, and climate-smart agriculture in Ethiopia show resilience in action.
The WMO calls for urgent global investment in adaptation and mitigation to support these efforts, emphasizing that Africa’s future depends on collective action now.
State of the Climate in Africa 2024
The report on the State of the Climate in Africa 2024 is the fifth in the series of the annual African report, with a special focus on loss and damage.
It is the result of collaboration between African National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), African Regional Climate Centres, the African Union Commission, international institutions, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and other specialized agencies of the United Nations.
The report provides informed climate analysis, describes notable hydro-meteorological events, impacts and risks, and identifies key climate policies and strategic elements to build a more sustainable and climate-resilience future for Africa.
The report on the State of the Climate in Africa 2024 is the fifth in the series of the annual African report, with a special focus on loss and damage.
It is the result of collaboration between African National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), African Regional Climate Centres, the African Union Commission, international institutions, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and other specialized agencies of the United Nations.
The report provides informed climate analysis, describes notable hydro-meteorological events, impacts and risks, and identifies key climate policies and strategic elements to build a more sustainable and climate-resilience future for Africa.
Overview:
Africa’s estimated climate change adaptation needs by 2030 hover around are around US$3 trillion, though only a small portion of this funding is currently available. Delaying action will result in exponential cost increases.
Adaptation Costs in Africa:
• By 2020:
Adaptation costs due to past emissions were estimated to be between US$ 7-15 billion annually.
• By 2050:
Even if emissions are reduced, adaptation costs could be around USD 35 billion per year, and with current policies, they could reach US$ 50 billion per year.
Addressing the Funding Gap:
• Africa receives only 3-4% of global climate finance, despite pledges to double adaptation finance, according to findings by climate campaigners.