What is Climate Change?
Climate change is defined as shifts in the earth’s climate driven by human activities, mainly greenhouse gas emissions caused by burning fossil fuels. Global temperatures are slated to rise by at least 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2030, but we are already living the devastating impacts of global warming.
As the planet warms, extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts become more frequent and intense. Unfortunately, those who have contributed the least to climate change are affected the most. Without immediate action, the climate crisis could lead to widespread poverty, hunger and migration.
Africa And the Climate Crisis
The African continent will be hit the hardest by climate change, despite contributing only 4% to global carbon emissions. This vulnerability is driven by high levels of poverty across the continent leaving many without the resources to buffer themselves and recover from the changing climate.
Global warming, rising sea levels, changing precipitation patterns, and more extreme weather events are already increasing threats to human health, food and water security, and economic development across the continent. Most temperatures across Africa have already risen by 1 degree Celsius.
