The climate crisis will have a huge impact on African economies
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African countries, which are least responsible for the global climate crisis, are at risk of falling GDP by up to 64% by the end of the century, according to the study. This will happen even if the world community manages to stop global warming at 1.5 °C.
As world leaders discuss climate action at the UN summit in Egypt, a study commissioned by Christian Aid has shown that the current rate of burning fossil fuels will have a significant impact on the financial situation of many African countries. According to the report, the fall in GDP per capita could be as much as 34%.
The 54 countries on the African continent are home to 15% of the world’s population but account for less than 4% of carbon dioxide emissions. This number pales in comparison to 27% in China, 15% in the US and 17% in the EU. Yet Africa is the hardest hit by the catastrophic effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and melting glaciers. In addition, more unpredictable destructive weather events such as drought, wildfires, severe flooding and heat waves play a role.
Under current climate policy, GDP growth in eight countries — Sudan, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, Djibouti and Nigeria — could fall by as much as 75%. These countries, which will bear the brunt of the blow, produce only 0.43 tons of carbon dioxide per person, in contrast to the US and Canada, where the figure is 14 tons, and Saudi Arabia, which produces 18 tons per person.
Sudan’s economic growth, where more than 250,000 people in 15 of 18 provinces have been affected by heavy rains and severe floods this year, could be hit by a staggering 84% if climate policy remains unchanged.
Mohammed Adow, director of the Power Shift Africa think tank, said such gloomy forecasts should be a wake-up call. “The fact that African countries will suffer the most economic blow even if we limit global warming to 1.5°C highlights the need for a dedicated fund to help those on the front lines of this climate front. These countries have contributed the least to the problem, yet they face such severe economic consequences. That is why climate change is also a matter of great injustice.”
Author – Nina Lakhani;
Source – The Guardian;
Translation – Daniil Prilepsky, Moskovskaya Pravda
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