The effects of climate change are increasingly present around the globe, and one of the most affected areas is the continent of Africa. Africa only accounts for 4% of greenhouse gases globally, yet, the continent is the most vulnerable and least prepared to deal with the effects of climate change. However, countries in Africa have begun to take on as many actions as possible to try and end the threats presented by climate change.
The issue of climate change does not go unnoticed in Africa. A recent study by the Afrobarometer detailed that 67% of people who have heard of climate change say that it is making their lives worse. However, the study also warns that countries should be doing more to educate the population and draw attention to climate change. Countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa who hold sway in the continent are among those whose populations are least educated, therefore gaining traction through education within those countries could allow for significant changes across the continent. Afrobarometer suggests that educating the population of countries that are de facto leaders in Africa can help the whole continent hit its collective goals with the United Nations’ climate action plans.
Climate change does present an immediate danger for many people in the continent, namely in the Horn of Africa where food scarcity is being exacerbated. UN World Food Programme (WFP) warns that if immediate actions are not taken in the region to mitigate the problem, people will continue to starve. The issue of starvation has increased drastically in recent years, as the changing climate has caused eight years of drought and flash flooding — which has made crop production nearly impossible. Food scarcity also leads to greater issues in the region, as more are turning to joining groups like Al-Shabab, as they can provide some amount of food for their families that way. The UN WFP is currently working with local farmers and shops to try to remedy the situation, but they say more needs to be done to educate them about mitigation tactics.
Many organizations believe that the best tactics for all the countries in Africa to use are those that would prevent further effects, mitigate current threats, adapt to changing climates, and make use of early-warning measures. The continent is already taking steps in this direction, as many countries have signed on to multiple measures aimed at reducing climate change with the UN. In fact, most countries in Africa are working on at least one UN climate action initiative while signed on to start many more in the future when the respective country can afford to complete those. Afrobarometer also provides some hopeful statistics, finding that 51% of people surveyed believe a regular person can make changes to help at least “a little bit” in ending climate change. Through educating the public and enacting immediate actions, countries in Africa can begin to reverse the more immediate effects of climate change and prevent future ones from happening.
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