Mother Africa always cares, our traditional knowledge ignored has now turn to a library of wealth to all.
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Mère Afrique se soucie toujours, notre savoir traditionnel ignoré a maintenant tourné vers une bibliothèque de la richesse pour tous.
CLIMATE CHANGE IN AFRICA - WHAT IS AT STAKE?
No continent will be struck as severely by the impacts of climate change as Africa.
Given its geographical position, the continent will be particularly vulnerable due to the considerably limited adaptive capacity, exacerbated by widespread poverty and the existing low levels of development.
In Africa and other developing regions of the world,, climate change is a threat to economic growth (due to changes in natural systems and resources), long-term prosperity, as well as the survival of already vulnerable populations.
Consequences of this include persistence of economic, social and environmental vulnerabilities particularly for the economic and livelihood sectors. Climate change, variability and associated increased disaster risks are an additional burden to sustainable development in Africa, as well as
a threat and impediment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Constraints in technological options, limited infrastructure, skills, information and links to markets further heighten vulnerability to climate stresses.
Africa’s human existence and development is under threat from the adverse impacts of climate change – its population, ecosystems and unique biodiversity will all be the major victims of global climate change.
Summary of the Projected impacts of climate change in Africa
- By 2020, between 75 and 250 million people in Africa are projected to be exposed to increased water stress due to climate change.
- By 2020, in some countries, yields from rain-fed agriculture could be reduced by up to 50%. Agricultural production, including access to food, in many African countries is projected to be severely compromised. This would further adversely affect food security and exacerbate malnutrition.
- Towards the end of the 21st century, projected sea level rise will affect low-lying coastal areas with large populations.
- By 2080, an increase of 5 to 8% of arid and semi-arid land in Africa is projected under a range of climate scenarios (TS).
- The cost of adaptation could amount to at least 5 to 10% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Source: Report. Summary for Policy Makers, IPCC, 2007.
