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Highlights
- A recent report by the World Meteorological Organization suggested that about 1.2 million people had replaced their locations because of storms and floods in Africa.
- The report further suggested that if the pace remains the same, the total deglaciation could happen as early as by the 2040s.
- The need of the hour is to implement an Africa centric sustainable recovery plan.
The world is standing at a point where scientific developments are given utmost priority. However, another boiling issue needs optimum attention from the world and industry leaders: climate change. The density of worsening climate is increasing tremendously. Year after year, we observe the worsening conditions of weather and its consequences on varied life forms on Earth.
Inequality & inequity while bearing climate change consequences
While dissecting the issue of climate change, there is one aspect that is highly ignored. It is called equity in sharing the effects of climate change. Unfortunately, inequality and inequity exist everywhere. But, sometimes, the wedge is so significant that it cannot be ignored.
Such is the case when it comes to bearing climate change consequences. Third world countries that have a minuscule contribution to climate change are the ones suffering the most. Why is it so? Because of lesser development, they do not release high levels of toxic emissions, but because of vulnerable weather conditions, they trap the most emissions.
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Africa is standing at a very vulnerable place
The continent has been suffering heavily due to the catastrophic effects of deteriorating climate globally. A recent report by the World Meteorological Organization suggested that about 1.2 million people have replaced their locations because of storms and floods in Africa.
People in Africa are being continuously displaced because of food insecurity, extreme weather conditions and overpopulation. In addition, Africa is experiencing a high-temperature rise, sea levels and other harsh climatic conditions.
The last remaining glaciers are rapidly shrinking in Eastern Africa and are expected to shrink soon wholly. The harsh reality is such; if immediate steps to combat the situation are not taken, this change would quickly become entirely irreversible.
Image source: © Sjors737 | Megapixl.com
Glaciers & millions at risk
The report further suggested that if the pace remains the same, the total deglaciation could happen as early as by the 2040s. However, according to the report, Mount Kenya is expected to deglaciate a decade sooner. As a result, it would become the world’s first mountain range to lose its glacier cover due to climate change led by human activities.
The report comes ahead of the COP26 UN climate change conference, which opens in Glasgow, Scotland. It could be an eye-opener to the world economy and help discussions in the upcoming meeting in Glasgow.
Unfortunately, according to the report, by 2030, about 118 million people in Africa will be exposed to extreme weather conditions like floods, droughts, storms, high temperatures, etc. Additionally, the Gross Domestic Product is also expected to fall by 3% by 2050. That would further cause more poverty, food insecurity and worsening health conditions in the region.
GOOD READ: England must ‘adapt’ or ‘die’: Environment Agency
Bottom line
The need of the hour is to implement an Africa centric sustainable recovery plan to get things under control in the region. To maintain world peace and help people living in Africa, the world leaders and the UN need to frame a plan for a post-pandemic recovery in Africa so that people in the region can adapt to changing climatic conditions without changing their homes.
