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Climate Change Wreaks Havoc on Africa: Floods, Droughts, and Heatwaves Displace Millions

The African continent is reeling from the devastating impacts of climate change, with floods, droughts, and heatwaves displacing millions of people and threatening the very fabric of societies. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the average surface temperature across Africa in 2024 was approximately 0.86°C above the 1991-2020 average, with North Africa recording the highest temperature increase of 1.28°C.

The consequences are dire. In South Sudan, thousands of herders have lost their livestock, which are central to their lives and cultural traditions. The country is struggling to cope with the aftermath of floods that affected 300,000 people last October, wiping out cattle and fueling diseases. "When someone slides back into being fed, it affects their dignity," said Meshack Malo, South Sudan Country Representative for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The WMO has noted that extreme weather events, including floods, heatwaves, and droughts, forced 700,000 people out of their homes across the continent last year. The El Niño phenomenon, which was active from 2023 into early 2024, played a significant role in rainfall patterns across Africa, leading to severe flooding in West Africa and droughts in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Heatwaves are also a growing threat to health and development in Africa, with the past decade being the warmest on record. Rising temperatures are making Africa more water-scarce and food-insecure, with North African countries being the hardest hit. In South Sudan, schools were forced to close in March 2024 due to blistering temperatures, while worldwide, at least 242 million pupils missed school because of extreme weather.

The economic implications are staggering. Fighting in Sudan has derailed the South Sudanese economy, which relies on oil exports for 90% of its national revenue. The country is struggling to cope with a crippling economic crisis, mass displacement, and escalating tensions.

However, there are glimmers of hope. In the South Sudanese town of Kapoeta, the FAO has helped to reduce the number of dry months from six to two by harvesting and storing water to protect crops at risk from climate change. "The impact of drought is no longer felt as much," said FAO’s Mr. Malo.

Environmental scientists are calling for urgent investment in adaptation measures, including early warning systems and preparedness, to help African nations cope with the impacts of climate change. "Africa is facing a high climate change bill," said Dr. Dawit Solomon, Contributor at Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA). "Imagine the continent which is struggling economically and then facing this additional risk multiplier."

As the continent struggles to come to terms with the devastating impacts of climate change, one thing is clear: urgent action is needed to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for Africa.