Despite contributing just 4% of global carbon emissions, Africa faces the worst consequences of climate change. The continent is already dealing with severe droughts, floods, and extreme heat, costing African economies 2-5% of their GDP annually. The UN warns that African nations, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, will suffer the most from climate-induced disasters. Yet, the resources required for adaptation estimated at $30-50 billion annually remain largely out of reach for most African nations.
Adding to the challenge, Africa’s rapidly growing population set to double to 3 billion by 2070 exacerbates the crisis. Economic growth remains sluggish, with the continent attracting only 4% of global foreign investment. Meanwhile, political instability and governance failures hinder climate adaptation efforts. Youth-led protests in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa highlight mounting frustrations over poor governance and economic hardship, further complicating Africa’s ability to tackle climate challenges.
Despite global pledges to provide financial aid, climate financing for Africa remains insufficient. Developed nations committed to mobilizing $100 billion annually by 2020, but the funding only materialized in 2022. However, this sum still falls short of the estimated $580 billion required for Africa’s adaptation efforts between 2020 and 2030. Additionally, corruption and weak institutions drain resources, making it difficult to implement effective climate policies.
While industrialized nations built their economies without environmental considerations, Africa is being forced to prioritize climate action despite its limited contributions to the crisis. The Kuznets Environmental Curve suggests that pollution initially rises during economic development before declining with wealth. However, Africa is being asked to skip this phase while still grappling with poverty and underdevelopment. To address this imbalance, Africa must push for stronger global climate commitments while simultaneously improving governance to ensure efficient use of available funds.
Ultimately, Africa’s fight against climate change is not just an environmental battle but a governance and economic challenge. While demanding climate justice, African nations must also reform their internal systems, invest in renewable energy, and adopt climate-smart agricultural practices. Without these crucial steps, the continent risks remaining the biggest victim of a crisis it neither caused nor is adequately equipped to handle.
Source: Business day