Despite Africa contributing a small percentage of global emissions, it is bearing the brunt of climate change, particularly in the form of intensified rainy seasons leading to deadly floods. The World Weather Attribution (WWA) network revealed that human-driven climate change has made seasonal downpours across the Niger and Lake Chad basins 5-20 percent worse in 2024, causing a humanitarian crisis. With spells of heavy summer rainfall becoming the new normal in countries such as Sudan, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad, the risk of extreme floods is expected to increase with every fraction of a degree of warming. Researchers are calling for urgent action to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, with the upcoming UN COP29 climate summit seen as a crucial opportunity to address the issue.
In 2024, floods led to the loss of approximately 1,500 lives and displaced over one million people in West and Central Africa, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The heavy rains also overwhelmed dams in Nigeria and Sudan, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to climate-induced disasters. The WWA network warns that such devastating downpours could occur annually if global temperatures rise to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, a scenario that could materialize as early as the 2050s. The focus on Sudan, marred by conflict and displacement, emphasizes the interconnected nature of climate change impacts and existing vulnerabilities.
Analyses by the WWA scientists point to the connection between the intense rainfall in Sudan and climate change, with modeling showing how human-induced warming has intensified monthlong spells of heavy rainfall in the region. This underscores the disproportionate impact of extreme weather events on Africa, a continent that has contributed minimally to global carbon emissions yet faces severe consequences. Researchers like Joyce Kimutai from the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College stress the urgency of addressing these challenges, citing the need for enhanced dam maintenance and investments in early warning systems to mitigate risks.
The intersection of climate change with other human-made issues exacerbates the situation, as inadequate infrastructure and resources further compound the impacts of extreme weather events. Scientists emphasize the importance of shifting away from fossil fuel reliance to mitigate future climate-related disasters, highlighting the need for a multi-faceted approach to address the challenges facing Africa. Clair Barnes, a researcher at the Centre for Environmental Policy, underscores the urgency of the situation, warning that continued dependence on fossil fuels will only exacerbate the impacts of climate change in the region. The call for action extends beyond individual countries to the global community, urging collective efforts to address the root causes of climate change and protect vulnerable populations.
As the world grapples with the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters, the case of Africa stands out as a stark reminder of the disproportionate burden borne by vulnerable regions. The urgency of transitioning to cleaner, sustainable energy sources becomes ever more apparent, with the need for immediate action underscored by the recent floods and humanitarian crises in the continent. The upcoming UN climate summit in Azerbaijan presents an opportunity for world leaders to come together and commit to ambitious climate action, with a focus on supporting communities in Africa and other vulnerable regions. By addressing the root causes of climate change and implementing proactive measures to build resilience, a more sustainable future for all can be achieved.
