Africa is significantly affected by global warming despite its limited contribution to the problem. Recent findings reveal a stark reality where 17 out of the 20 countries most vulnerable to climate change are located in Africa.
This alarming trend is taking a toll on the continent, with climate change already affecting 2 to 9 percent of national budgets.
The most recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) underscores that North Africa and West Africa are particularly susceptible to climate change, with anticipated temperature increases ranging from 1.5°C to 3°C.
The gravity of this situation was brought to the forefront during a meeting held as part of the second joint Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts (ICSOE) for North and West Africa. The participants, including experts, researchers, development practitioners, and representatives from 22 North and West African countries, gathered to assess the impact of climate change in these sub-regions.
The event, organized by the ECA Offices for North and West Africa, featured an expert group meeting with the theme “Transition to Renewable Resources for Energy and Food Security in North and West Africa.” This meeting underscored three critical issues of paramount importance.
First, it emphasized the impact of climate change on economic and social development strategies. The increasing vulnerability to climate change poses a direct challenge to the sustainable growth of these regions, making it imperative to find innovative solutions to mitigate its impacts.
The third critical point was the role of intra-African trade in facilitating and accelerating the energy and agricultural transition. By promoting regional trade and cooperation, African countries can strengthen their energy security and bolster the agricultural sector, contributing to food security and the development of sub-regional value chains.
Zuzana Brixiova Schwidrowski, Director of the ECA office for North Africa, emphasized the urgency of addressing water scarcity in North Africa, which could affect a significant portion of GDP and the population. She further highlighted the potential of renewable resources to not only overcome these challenges but also drive sustainable economic development, reduce poverty, create jobs, and promote social equity in the region.
Ngone Diop, Director of the ECA office for West Africa, noted the persistent challenge of food insecurity in Africa, affecting a substantial 20 percent of the continent’s population, well above the global rate of 9.8 percent.
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