Sadly, no other continent will suffer as severely by the impacts of climate change as Africa will.

Due to its geographical positioning, the continent will be the most vulnerable. Constraint due to limited infrastructure, capacity building, and information technology further limit swift responses to climate stresses. Consequences of global warming include persistence of economic, social and environmental vulnerabilities.

The unpredictability and increased disaster risks are an additional liability to sustainable development, human index development, as well as a threat to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. To have a better understanding of the degree of severity of what is at stake, please check the following:

Summary of the Projected impacts of climate change in Africa

– By 2020, between 75 and 250 million people in Africa are projected to be exposed to increased water stress due to climate change.

– By 2020, in some countries, yields from rain-fed agriculture could be reduced by up to 50%. Agricultural production, including access to food, in many African countries is projected to be severely compromised. This would further adversely affect food security and exacerbate malnutrition.

– Towards the end of the 21st century, projected sea level rise will affect low-lying coastal areas with large populations.

– By 2080, an increase of 5 to 8% of arid and semi-arid land in Africa is projected under a range of climate scenarios (TS).

– The cost of adaptation could amount to at least 5 to 10% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Source: Report. Summary for Policy Makers, IPCC, 2007.

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