Climate change is an increasingly severe threat in Africa which is among the most vulnerable continents to the effects of climate change. Some sources even classify Africa as “the most vulnerable continent on Earth.” A range of factors drives this vulnerability:
- Weak adaptive capacity.
- High dependence on ecosystem goods for livelihoods.
- Less developed agricultural production systems.
Africa warmed at an average rate of around +0.3 °C/ decade between 1991 and 2021, faster than the warming from 1961-1990, at +0.2°C/ decade. The year 2021 was the third or fourth warmest year on record for Africa.
Drought in East Africa has worsened following consecutive failed rainy seasons combined with heightened conflict, related population displacement, and COVID-19 restrictions.
High prices impeded food availability and access, leaving more than 58 million people in acute food insecurity conditions. The situation is worsening this year, especially in Ethiopia, Somalia, and parts of Kenya. Southern Madagascar is also suffering from acute drought.
Increased temperature contributed to a 34% reduction in agricultural productivity growth in Africa since 1961, more than any other region in the world. This trend is expected to continue, increasing the risk of acute food insecurity and malnutrition. Global warming of 1.5 °C is projected to result in a decline in crop yield.
The State of the Climate in Africa 2021 report focuses on water. High water stress is estimated to affect about 250 million people in Africa and is expected to displace up to 700 million people by 2030. Four African countries are unlikely to have sustainably managed water resources by 2030.
“The worsening crisis and looming famine in the drought-stricken Horn of Africa shows how climate change can exacerbate water shocks, threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and destabilizing communities, countries, and entire regions,” WMO Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas.
Today, the continent has experienced widespread losses and damages due to climate change, including loss of lives and biodiversity, water shortages, and reduced food production and economic growth.
Despite these challenges, Africa holds the best solutions for moving the world towards a secure climate-resilient future. The continent has the world’s youngest population, an immense amount of arable land, and a tremendous potential for restoration.
It is home to a quarter of all wildlife – critical opportunities for restoring the health of our planet.
