Africa is one of the most vulnerable continents to the effects of global warming. As a result, the continent is experiencing unprecedented changes in its climate patterns, which have devastating consequences for its economies, ecosystems, and societies. As a result of Africa’s complex climate system, which is influenced by three major global ocean basins, rising temperatures, and shifting precipitation patterns, the effects of climate change are extensive and varied.
Increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events is one of the most significant consequences of global warming on Africa. Climate change is causing more frequent droughts, floods, and heat waves, according to the 2019 report on the State of the Climate in Africa. The agriculture industry, which employs up to 60% of the continent’s population, is severely impacted by these events. Particularly, droughts destroy crop yields, resulting in food insecurity and malnutrition.
In addition, the report suggests that rising temperatures and shifting patterns of precipitation could result in a decline in livestock production, a vital source of income for many rural communities. In Somalia, for instance, over 70% of the population relies on livestock for subsistence. Consequently, any negative effects on livestock productivity could have significant socioeconomic consequences.
Increasing sea levels also impact Africa as a result of global warming. As the planet’s temperature rises, ice caps melt, resulting in an alarming rise in sea levels. This phenomenon in Africa threatens the infrastructure, communities, and cities along the coast. For instance, according to a 2019 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, sea levels could rise by over one metre by 2100, causing catastrophic flooding in coastal cities such as Lagos, Alexandria, and Cape Town.
In addition, rising sea levels may result in saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, making it difficult for communities to access clean, safe drinking water. In sub-Saharan Africa, where more than 40 percent of the population lacks access to safe drinking water, this could exacerbate existing water scarcity issues, thereby increasing community vulnerability.
Increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and heat waves is one of the most immediate consequences of global warming on Africa. In March of 2019, tropical cyclones Idai and Kenneth struck Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, killing more than a thousand individuals and causing widespread destruction.
The State of the Climate in Africa report highlights that the African continent is warming faster than the rest of the world, and that regional temperature increases are projected to be greater than the global average temperature increase. These alterations are likely to result in more frequent and severe weather events, thereby aggravating pre-existing problems such as food insecurity, poverty, and population displacement.
Another significant impact of global warming on Africa is the depletion of water essential to agricultural production. The continent is home to a number of large river basins, including the Nile, the Congo, and the Niger, which support millions of people and are essential for food security and economic growth. However, in the coming decades, the melting of Africa’s remaining glaciers will reduce water availability, resulting in food insecurity, poverty, and population displacement. By 2050, the gross domestic product (GDP) in sub-Saharan Africa could be reduced by up to three percent.
These changes will have the greatest impact in rural areas where agriculture is the primary source of income and subsistence. Additionally, the melting of glaciers on the mountain ranges of the continent. Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, has lost over 80% of its ice cap since 1912. The melting of these glaciers diminishes the availability of water, which is essential for irrigation and hydropower generation. According to a Food and Agriculture Organisation study, up to fifty percent of Africa’s population could experience water scarcity by 2025, with climate change exacerbating the problem.
In addition, the impacts of global warming on Africa’s ecosystems include increased deforestation, desertification, and land degradation. These changes result in a decline in biodiversity, soil erosion, and carbon sequestration. In turn, this has a significant impact on the livelihoods of many African communities that depend on these ecosystems. The effects of climate change on Africa’s natural ecosystems and biodiversity are devastating. As temperatures rise, species struggle to adapt, and the extinction of some is imminent. Approximately 25 percent of Africa’s mammal species are threatened with extinction due to climate change, according to a study by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In addition, deforestation and land-use change exacerbate climate change, which has significant implications for carbon sequestration and the ability of natural systems to regulate Earth’s climate.
The effects of global warming on Africa are not limited to environmental effects; there are also significant social and economic repercussions. In many regions of Africa, food insecurity, poverty, and population displacement are significant challenges, and climate change is likely to exacerbate these issues. The most severe impact will likely be felt by the poorest and most vulnerable communities, further entrenching existing inequalities. The State of the Climate in Africa report emphasises the urgent need to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. Investing in sustainable development, climate-resilient infrastructure, and social safety nets can aid in mitigating the effects of climate change on vulnerable populations and bolster economic growth.
To conclude, The effects of global warming on Africa are intensifying, affecting the most vulnerable populations and contributing to food insecurity, population displacement, and stress on water resources. In the coming decades, climate change is projected to melt Africa’s remaining glaciers, reducing agricultural water and causing food insecurity, poverty, and population displacement. Africa’s complex climate system is influenced by the three major global ocean basins, and global warming is contributing to an increase in extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones and droughts. In sub-Saharan Africa, an increase of 2 degrees Celsius in the global mean temperature could result in significant changes in the frequency and severity of temperature extremes, with severe consequences for the region. The effects of global warming on Africa are diverse, but they all point to the urgent need to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
References
- The complex climate system of Africa is unusually influenced by the three major global ocean basins. In March, the tropical cyclones Idai and Kenneth emerged from one of these rapidly warming oceans. URL: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-50726701
- “The State of the Climate in Africa 2019 report, a multi-agency publication coordinated by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), provides a snapshot of current and future climate trends and their associated impacts on the economy and sensitive sectors like agriculture.” URL: https://unfccc.int/news/climate-change-is-an-increasing-threat-to-africa
- “Over the next few decades, global warming is predicted to melt Africa’s remaining glaciers, resulting in food insecurity, poverty, and population migration. The gross domestic product (GDP) of Sub-Saharan Africa could decline by up to three percent by 2050. URL: https://www.fpri.org/article/2021/10/the-impact-of-climate-change-on-africas-economies/
“Record global greenhouse gas emissions are putting the world on a path towards unacceptably high temperatures, with grave implications for Africa’s development prospects.” “Limiting global warming to 1.5° C is…” URL: https://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/december-2018-march-2019/global-warming-severe-consequences-africa
