Africa is facing a heavy toll from climate change, with many countries dedicating up to 9% of their budgets to combatting its impacts. This stark reality is highlighted in a recent report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), titled ‘State of the Climate in Africa 2023’. While Africa contributes far less to global greenhouse gas emissions compared to other continents, its temperatures have been rising at a faster rate than the global average. This is leading to a devastating cascade of climate extremes, including deadly heatwaves, heavy rains, floods, cyclones, and prolonged droughts.
The report paints a grim picture of the economic consequences. African nations are losing an average of 2-5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) annually as they struggle to respond to these extreme events. For sub-Saharan Africa, adapting to the changing climate is estimated to cost a staggering $30-50 billion per year over the next decade. This urgent need for adaptation has led the WMO to urge African countries to invest heavily in state meteorological and hydrological services, as well as accelerate the implementation of early warning systems. These investments are crucial for saving lives and mitigating the economic damage caused by climate-related disasters.
The report arrives at a critical time as African countries prepare to participate in the upcoming UN Climate Change Conferences (COP). These meetings offer a crucial platform for African nations to advocate for a larger share of global climate financing. Despite attracting more funds for climate mitigation and adaptation projects in recent years, Africa still receives less than 1% of the annual global climate financing. African government officials have emphasized the need for increased financial support to address the continent’s unique challenges posed by climate change.
