Africa, one of the regions least responsible for global emissions, faces some of the harshest impacts of climate change, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The report highlights that Africa’s climate is warming at a faster rate than the global average, with temperatures rising by 0.3 degrees Celsius per decade between 1991 and 2023. North Africa, in particular, experienced record-breaking heat, with Morocco’s Agadir reaching a scorching 50.4 degrees Celsius.
Extreme weather events, including heavy rains and severe droughts, are wreaking havoc across the continent. Floods in September and October affected around 300,000 people across 10 countries, with Niger, Benin, Ghana, and Nigeria being the hardest hit. Meanwhile, Zambia suffered its worst drought in 40 years, affecting millions.
Climate activists have long underscored the unfairness of Africa bearing such a high cost for climate change while contributing only a small fraction to global greenhouse gas emissions. The upcoming COP29 climate summit, scheduled for November in Azerbaijan, will focus on how wealthier nations can support poorer countries, like those in Africa, in adapting to climate-related challenges.
Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko of the African Union Commission emphasized that climate change exacerbates humanitarian crises in Africa, affecting agriculture, food security, infrastructure, and overall socio-economic development. The WMO report revealed that many African countries lose between two and five per cent of their GDP due to climate extremes, with some diverting up to nine per cent of their budgets to cope.
The report warns that if adequate measures aren’t taken, by 2030, up to 118 million Africans living on less than $1.90 a day will be exposed to the devastating effects of droughts, floods, and extreme heat, hampering poverty alleviation and economic growth.
WMO also called for urgent investments in better data collection and early warning systems, noting that Africa accounts for 35% of global weather-related fatalities, yet only 40% of its population has access to early warning systems—the lowest in any region worldwide.
Don’t forget to like, comment in the box below, and share on all our social media platforms. For more updates on international news, local news, business, elections, sports, and exciting discussions, tune in to Orange FM 1079.
