Africa needs practical solutions, not promises to tackle climate change
Climate change poses an existential threat to Africa. Although the continent produces two percent of the annual greenhouse gas emissions, it is expected to bear the brunt of the negative effects of climate change and global warming.
The continent has just emerged from the worst drought in 60 years in regions like the Horn of Africa. Kenya is smarting from drought and related cattle and wildlife conflicts. Lake Chad is shrinking, and the Sahara Desert is expanding south. In the Sahel, the collapse of agriculture in some areas in the face of dry weather has been blamed for sending young people into the hands of terror groups. The adverse climate changes that have decimated livestock in West Africa and the Horn have driven thousands of Africans who are no longer able to make a living on the land on dangerous journeys to cross the oceans and seas to Europe.
As a continent that has suffered from, and continues to grapple with some of the worst global warming impacts, Africa will be keenly awaiting the outcome of the conference while hoping that it yields effective solutions.
photo credit: CIMMYT