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Martin Kadzere

Africa faces a growing climate change bill, with adaptation costs now estimated between US$30 and US$50 billion per year, according to a new report

Commissioned by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the World Meteorological Organisation, and the African Union Commission this week, the State of the Climate in Africa Report highlights the severe economic impact of climate change on Africa.

The continent is already losing between 2 and 5 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) due to climate change-related impacts, including extreme weather events, agricultural disruptions and reduced water availability.

The losses are disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and hindering economic development across the continent.

Zimbabwe was not spared the devastating impacts of climate change, which have resulted in extreme weather patterns such as low rainfall, floods, and droughts, posing a significant threat to the country’s food security.

The El Niño slashed rainfall across Southern Africa, and especially the central belt of states where Zimbabwe lies.

This saw harvests plummet, resulting in many rural families requiring food aid and other support normally funded out of crop sales. The heat has also been felt by some urban families.

Against this background, President Mnangagwa declared the situation a State Of National Disaster, kickstarting the process of resource mobilisation to cushion all vulnerable members of society.

“This (UNECA) report serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of climate action in Africa, where extreme weather events are intensifying and disproportionately impacting the continent’s social economic development,” Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mike Elton Mposha said.

“Africa is uniquely vulnerable to climate change, with its high dependence on rain-fed agriculture and limited adaptive capacity.

“Rising temperatures, rising sea levels, and erratic rainfall are already causing widespread harm to human health, ecosystems and livelihood. These challenges threaten to derail Africa’s big-bed progress towards achieving the sustainable development goals and the African Union agenda 2063.

“It is essential to continue advocating for increased investments in climate adaptation and resilience, particularly through the laws and dynamic priorities.”

Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission, Ambassador Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, said the 2023 State of the Climate in Africa Report underscored the urgent need for immediate action to address the disproportionate burdens and risks posed by climate change to Africa.

Deputy executive secretary and chief economist at the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Mr Hanan Morsy, said Africa stood at the forefront of the battle against climate change, facing its devastating impacts firsthand.

From rising temperatures to shifting rainfall patterns and other extreme weather events, Africa is disproportionately vulnerable, he said.

Key sectors, particularly agriculture, which employs over 60 percent of Africa’s population, are under severe threat.

Crops are failing, livestock is suffering, and traditional farming practices are disrupted by climate variability. This jeopardises food supply, economic stability, and the livelihoods of millions, especially in nations already grappling with high poverty levels.

“At the same time, African countries face significant debt distress, forcing trade-offs with critical development needs such as health or education. We can only drive investments in climate action if we have financing, therefore, there is a need to achieve sustainable debt levels to make the essential investments,” added Mr Morsy.