This third edition of the report, the result of a joint initiative by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the African Union Commission (AUC), compares climate anomalies and measures the evolution of various indicators between 1981 and 2010.
By precisely analyzing the frequency, intensity and effects of extreme weather events across the continent, the report extends its scope to the social, economic, food and ecosystem consequences of climate change.
As such, it offers a regional perspective on climate variability and its consequences across Africa, with particular emphasis on water management issues. Finally, it makes recommendations for strengthening regional action and coordination, as well as for encouraging investment in adaptation to climate change.
Africa only accounts for around 2-3% of global GHG emissions, yet it suffers the consequences of climate change disproportionately:
Faced with these risks, the continent suffers from a lack of financial and logistical resources, exacerbated by material damage and population displacement. The report estimates that the consequences of climate change will cost African countries $50 billion a year by 2050. This would compromise their ability to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the targets of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Despite their low contribution to global emissions, 40 African countries have increased their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for mitigation and adaptation, and a total of 83% of African national plans include emission reduction targets.
đĄ The work of Afrik 21‘s young journalists is highly relevant to the continent’s green news, as they follow climate issues in Africa from an economic, energy and urban perspective.
