Climate change is one of the most significant issues that humanity currently faces, and Africa is greatly exposed to it. Different regions of Africa experience different climactic conditions, but global warming will present all of them with additional difficulties and/or make their existing challenges harder to overcome. The implications are grave, and action is needed now to save the continent from disaster.
The effects of global warming
The most evident impact of global warming on Africa will be a rise in temperature. The IPCC estimates that Sub-Saharan Africa will experience temperature rises above the global mean, making heat waves more common. For instance, the predicted temperature rise in west Africa is one degree centigrade in the short term, and as much as four or five degrees by the end of the century. This is the difference between a comfortable life and great suffering for millions of people.
In Kenya water shortages are already posing a threat to people and animals alike. Droughts have caused major disasters to befall the agricultural sector – which is the main strength of the Kenyan economy. This has caused both food insecurity and economic instability.
In the case of Nigeria, global warming has led to a rise in sea levels, causing coastal erosion and flooding in the Niger Delta region. This in turn has displaced communities and threatened the region’s oil facilities which are crucial for the national economy.
South Africa has experienced water challenges and scarcities which were especially evident during the “Day Zero” water crisis in Cape Town in 2018. Moreover, alterations to the rain regime caused by global warming are a major threat to food cultivation, specifically in the Western Cape which is a significant supplier of food.
Potential solutions
Africa needs its own unique measures to ease the effects of global warming, and this is also true of specific regions of the continent. But a general concern is the shift to green energy sources. Africa has great opportunities for renewables, especially solar power generation. Kenya and other countries have already begun to construct large-scale solar farms and are encouraging off-grid solar projects in rural areas. Renewable energy will improve energy security and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate-smart agriculture is another important initiative. This can boost agricultural production and promote climate resilience at the same time. In Ethiopia, for example, improved soil management techniques to counter slope compaction, together with tree planting, are helping to reclaim worn-out land and increase productivity. These measures enhance food security and promote employment while helping to reduce the impact of climate change.
Water management is also important. In South Africa In South Africa, where problems are caused by fluctuations in the amount of rainfall and the increasing use of water in urban centers, the Western Cape Water Supply System is helping to make the most of the available water. The WCWSS measures include demand management, water conservation and the promotion of additional sources of water including desalination and water recycling.
Obstacles to Implementation
Many challenges need to be overcome, and the shortage of capital is one of the most critical. Many small African countries have small budgets and large debts, and this inhibits their ability to invest in the infrastructure and technology needed to combat climate change. Moreover, there has been a lack of international finance for Africa. The provisions of the Paris Agreement remain a pipedream.
Problems are also caused by a lack of political will and challenges of governance – including defective legislation and unstable institutions. In Nigeria, for instance, there is a good understanding of the adaptation measures which are required, but poor leadership and corruption are holding progress back.
In addition, public awareness and public participation in planning are often lacking. In some parts of Africa there is a lack of knowledge about the causes and effects of global warming and this hampers approval of measures needed to address the problem. Increasing public understanding and engaging the public in the tackling of climate change is critical to success.
The Road Ahead
Climate change is an enormous challenge for Africa, but it is a challenge that Africa can overcome. There are many opportunities for the continent to adapt to global warming – including adopting green energy generation, making agriculture more resilient, and introducing more effective water usage. But this requires the harmonization of international, national and local efforts. It also requires a determination to overcome financial, political and social barriers – a determination as strong as that exhibited by colonial peoples in their struggle for independence.
To sum up, Africa is on the receiving end of global warming. At the same time, it can lead the world in combating climate change. The path is not without obstacles. However, with correct policies, investments and appropriate collaborations Africa is already on the path to sustainable development.
The people of the world must come to realize that the world – and Africa – require their support in fighting the common problem of global warming.
By Ong’era Matundura