Africa is increasingly burdened by the impacts of climate change, facing severe economic losses and soaring adaptation costs. A recent report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) highlights that African countries are losing between 2-5% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually, with some nations diverting up to 9% of their budgets to address climate-related disasters.
ECONOMIC LOSSES AND BUDGET STRAINS
The WMO State of the Climate in Africa 2023 report reveals that Sub-Saharan Africa faces annual adaptation costs estimated between US$ 30-50 billion over the next decade, representing 2-3% of the region’s GDP. This financial strain is diverting critical resources from other developmental needs, exacerbating the region’s economic challenges.
RISING RISKS TO POVERTY ALLEVIATION EFFORTS
By 2030, an estimated 118 million extremely poor people in Africa, those living on less than US$ 1.90 per day, are projected to be exposed to extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heat waves. This escalating risk threatens to undermine poverty alleviation efforts and could severely hamper economic growth across the continent.
ENHANCING EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS
The report underscores the need for African countries to prioritize investment in National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and accelerate the implementation of the Early Warnings For All initiative. Strengthening these services is crucial to mitigating climate risks, building adaptive capacity, and supporting sustainable development strategies at local, national, and regional levels.
2023: AFRICA’S WARMEST YEAR ON RECORD
Africa has observed a warming trend over the past 60 years, with the rate of warming accelerating faster than the global average. In 2023, the continent experienced one of its hottest years on record, with the mean temperature 0.61°C higher than the 1991-2020 average and 1.23°C above the 1961-1990 baseline. North Africa saw the most rapid warming, with temperatures increasing by +0.4°C per decade between 1991 and 2023.
Regional Heat Extremes
Several African countries, including Mali, Morocco, Tanzania, and Uganda, reported their warmest year on record in 2023. Extreme heat waves in July and August saw record temperatures in Tunisia (49.0°C) and Morocco (50.4°C), severely impacting local populations and economies.
PRECIPITATION PATTERNS AND SEA-LEVEL RISE
Drought and Flooding
The report highlights significant regional variations in precipitation, with parts of North and Southern Africa experiencing severe droughts, while East Africa faced deadly floods. In September 2023, flooding in Libya, caused by Mediterranean cyclone Storm Daniel, resulted in over 4,700 deaths and left 8,000 people missing.
Rising Sea Levels
Africa’s sea levels are rising at a rate slightly above the global average, with the highest increase observed in the Red Sea at 4.1 mm per year. This trend poses severe risks to coastal communities, exacerbating the challenges posed by climate change.
CLIMATE IMPACTS ON AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY
Climate extremes, including droughts and floods, have taken a toll on food security in Africa. North Africa’s cereal production in 2023 was 10% below the five-year average, with Tunisia hit hardest. In East Africa, erratic rainfall and insecurity have kept cereal production below average, worsening food shortages in countries like Sudan, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.
PATH FORWARD: BUILDING RESILIENCE IN AFRICA
Investment in Hydrometeorological Infrastructure
To combat escalating climate challenges, Africa needs significant investments in hydrometeorological infrastructure and early warning systems. Enhancing the capabilities of NMHSs will improve data collection, forecasting, and the ability to issue timely warnings for extreme weather events.
Early Warnings for All: A Critical Initiative
Launched in September 2023, the Early Warnings for All Action Plan aims to ensure that every person in Africa is protected by early warning systems by 2027. Currently, only 40% of the African population has access to these systems, the lowest rate of any region globally. Expanding this access is crucial to saving lives and protecting livelihoods across the continent.
The WMO State of the Climate in Africa 2023 report paints a stark picture of the challenges facing the continent as climate change intensifies. With significant economic losses, rising risks to vulnerable populations, and worsening climate impacts, Africa stands at a critical juncture. Urgent investment in meteorological services, early warning systems, and climate resilience is essential to safeguarding the future of the continent.
