The urgent need for climate action in Africa

Africa stands on the front line of climate change, enduring some of its harshest impacts despite contributing a minimal amount to global greenhouse gas emissions. Today, African nations are losing up to 15 percent of their gross domestic product every year due to climate disruptions, a staggering figure that highlights the profound economic and social toll the crisis imposes on a continent where millions already face poverty and inequality. As highlighted at the COP29 climate conference in Azerbaijan, Africa’s leaders are urgently calling for decisive action to confront the climate crisis head-on.

Recent climate events in Africa illustrate the extent of these challenges. Rising sea levels threaten West Africa’s coastal regions, displacing populations and damaging infrastructure. Meanwhile, prolonged droughts in East Africa have decimated crops and livestock, triggering a regional food security crisis. This erratic and intensifying climate not only disrupts the livelihoods of millions of farmers, but it also destabilizes whole economies that rely heavily on agriculture. In 2023 alone, disasters linked to climate change forced an estimated 14 million Africans into poverty — a grim testament to the urgent need for global action.

The evidence of climate change in Africa is mounting rapidly and the urgency of addressing these issues is more pronounced than ever. Africa’s natural environment, economic stability and social systems are under significant strain. Unlike wealthier regions, African countries have limited resources to mitigate the effects of climate change, making them uniquely vulnerable to its harshest consequences.

The continent’s reliance on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, fishing and tourism means that erratic weather patterns and environmental shifts have far-reaching consequences. For example, farmers in the Sahel region report shorter and more intense growing seasons, leading to reduced crop yields and increased food insecurity. For communities already struggling to survive on the economic margins, these climate pressures exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, pushing many into extreme poverty.

The need for immediate, impactful action on Africa’s climate crisis is not only an African issue but a global one

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

Africa is also witnessing increased migration and displacement due to climate events, with millions of people forced to move from their homes in search of food, water and work. If climate action is delayed, these migrations will intensify, creating humanitarian crises and straining the infrastructure and resources of neighboring regions. In a world where instability in one region affects others, the need for immediate, impactful action on Africa’s climate crisis is not only an African issue but a global one.

Africa’s leaders and climate advocates have laid out several actionable steps to confront the continent’s climate vulnerabilities, while promoting sustainable growth. These steps offer a blueprint for resilience and could transform Africa into a leader in green energy and climate action if backed by global support.

Africa is rich in minerals crucial for clean energy technologies, including lithium, cobalt and copper, which are essential components for batteries, wind turbines and solar panels. By harnessing these resources, African countries can spur economic transformation, transitioning from extractive industries that harm the environment to sustainable green economies. This strategy not only strengthens Africa’s role in the global clean energy market but also helps mitigate the economic risks posed by climate disruptions.

In addition, Africa’s vast forests and unique ecosystems have immense potential for carbon sequestration. By prioritizing conservation and reforestation projects, African countries can boost natural carbon capture while protecting biodiversity. Forests in the Congo Basin, for example, are critical to global climate stability. Nature-based solutions also bring benefits such as preserving water sources, preventing soil erosion and sustaining wildlife, all of which are essential for rural livelihoods and ecological health.

Financial resources are vital to building Africa’s climate resilience. At COP29, African leaders advocated for an ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal that addresses Africa’s specific adaptation needs. Current financial commitments fall far short of what is required: Africa needs more than $100 billion annually for climate adaptation, but global commitments were only $11.4 billion 2019-20. Adequate funding would empower African nations to invest in resilient infrastructure, water systems, early warning networks and food security programs, which are all critical to withstanding climate shocks.

Investment in clean energy infrastructure not only reduces emissions but also addresses Africa’s energy poverty

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

Furthermore, Africa’s renewable energy potential is vast, from solar energy in North Africa’s deserts to hydroelectric power in sub-Saharan rivers. Investment in clean energy infrastructure not only reduces emissions but also addresses Africa’s energy poverty, as more than 600 million people still lack access to reliable electricity. Scaling renewable energy solutions could propel sustainable economic development, improve living standards and reduce Africa’s dependence on fossil fuels.

It is critical to note that climate change is a global crisis requiring collective action. Although Africa is disproportionately affected by the climate crisis, it has contributed only a small fraction of global emissions. Developed nations, which are responsible for the majority of historical emissions, bear a significant moral and practical obligation to support Africa’s adaptation efforts.

A key area for global responsibility is financial support. Developed countries need to fulfill their climate finance promises, ensuring that funds reach vulnerable regions with high adaptation needs. Additionally, these countries can aid Africa’s green transformation by transferring clean technology, knowledge and resources.

Furthermore, high-income countries possess advanced renewable energy technologies that, if shared, could accelerate Africa’s clean energy transition. Supporting Africa in this transition not only addresses energy poverty but also reduces emissions, benefiting the entire planet.

Finally, the consequences of inaction on climate change in Africa will not remain confined to the continent.

In conclusion, the climate crisis in Africa is a defining challenge of our era, demanding urgent and concerted action from African nations and the global community alike. The devastating impacts of climate change are already unfolding, with millions of lives, ecosystems and economies at risk. The steps proposed by African leaders at COP29 lay the groundwork for a resilient, sustainable future that leverages Africa’s unique strengths. However, without decisive global action, these initiatives will remain underfunded and insufficient.

The international community must recognize that Africa’s climate fight is also its own. Supporting Africa’s climate adaptation and green transformation is not only an ethical obligation but a practical necessity for global stability and environmental health.

• Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian American political scientist. X: @Dr_Rafizadeh