Africa's Fragile States Are Greatest Climate Change Casualties
IMFAug 30, 2023
At least 63 people have been killed after heavy rains caused flash floods and landslides near Mount Hanang in northern Tanzania, officials said on Monday. [Figures continue to be in flux.]
According to Tanzania's Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, at least 116 people have been injured. Meanwhile, rescue teams continue to search for people buried in the mud.
The African continent, which has a vast history of conflict, faces multiple threats — including climate change — which are cascading and increasing in severity and exacerbating existing housing, food, and water insecurities. As these vulnerabilities collide, nations and international community support will be vital to addressing this threat. This is an important responsibility for the global community and humanitarian system.
While challenges mount, African countries are getting more involved in the continent's future based on a tremendous local and national-level understanding of climate change and its impact on the continent. This realization has spurred a consortium of countries to step up and become global leaders in climate change and adaptation. While their role in emissions is small, Africa's leaders aren't letting it stop them from taking the lead and bolstering global transformation. It is Africa that must lead the way and not wait for Western-led systems alone to provide support.
There's a 20% chance that there will be a 5-year period with an average global temperature >3.6˚C warmer than the 1861-1880 baseline before 2100, according to the Metaculus prediction community.