Africa faces rising costs and climate extremes, WMO report reveals
Africa is grappling with escalating climate-related challenges, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released on Monday. Despite contributing significantly less to global greenhouse gas emissions compared to other continents, Africa’s temperatures have surged at a rate surpassing the global average.
The WMO’s “State of the Climate in Africa 2023” report highlights that many African nations are now dedicating up to 9% of their national budgets to combat extreme climate events such as heatwaves, heavy rains, floods, cyclones, and prolonged droughts. This has resulted in an average economic loss of 2%–5% of gross domestic product (GDP) for affected countries.
For sub-Saharan Africa alone, adapting to these climate changes is projected to cost between $30 billion and $50 billion annually over the next decade. The report underscores the urgent need for investment in meteorological and hydrological services and the expedited implementation of early warning systems to enhance resilience and save lives.
As African nations prepare for the upcoming U.N. COP meetings, there is a push to secure a larger portion of global climate financing. Although the continent has seen an increase in funding for climate mitigation and adaptation projects, it currently receives less than 1% of annual global climate finance, according to government officials.
The WMO’s findings underscore the critical need for both immediate and long-term strategies to address Africa’s climate crisis and ensure sustainable development amid growing environmental pressures.
