Recent floods in Africa have been worsened by climate change, leading to approximately 1,500 deaths and over one million displacements. Studies indicate that intense rainfall events could become more frequent if global temperatures rise. Experts are urging global commitments to reduce fossil fuel reliance and provide financial support to affected regions.
A team of international scientists has reported that the recent catastrophic floods in Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, and Sudan have been exacerbated by anthropogenic climate change. In a study released on Wednesday by World Weather Attribution (WWA), it was noted that global warming has intensified seasonal rainfall this year by approximately 5-20 percent in the regions surrounding the Niger and Lake Chad basins. The researchers warned that if global temperatures continue to rise, these severe rainfall events could become an annual occurrence. Izidine Pinto, a researcher at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute and co-author of the study, stated, “Spells of heavy summer rainfall have become the new normal in Sudan, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad.” Pinto expressed serious concern regarding the situation, highlighting that with every fractional increase in global temperatures, the frequency and severity of extreme flooding are set to rise. He urged the upcoming UN COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan to promote a swift transition from fossil fuels. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), this year’s flooding has resulted in approximately 1,500 fatalities and displaced over one million individuals in West and Central Africa. The intense rainfall has also strained river systems and overwhelmed dam infrastructures in Nigeria and Sudan. The floods, which struck during the months of June, July, August, and September, have aggravated an existing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, complicating the delivery of essential aid. The WWA emphasized that without urgent action, a temperature rise of 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels could dramatically increase the frequency of such rainfall events in these vulnerable regions. Joyce Kimutai, a researcher at Imperial College London’s Centre for Environmental Policy, noted that Africa, despite being responsible for minimal global carbon emissions, is disproportionately affected by extreme weather crises. She stressed that it is imperative for the COP29 summit to secure substantial financial commitments from wealthier nations to support the ongoing efforts of local communities to adapt to these challenges.
The article discusses the detrimental impacts of climate change on rainfall patterns, particularly in vulnerable regions of Africa. This has led to catastrophic flooding across several countries, with significant human and infrastructural tolls. The findings accentuate the urgent need for global action to combat climate change, especially in light of predicted future weather patterns that could result from continued warming.
The report clearly indicates that human-induced climate change is leading to more intense and frequent flooding in African regions, particularly impacting countries already facing humanitarian crises. Scientists advocate for immediate action to mitigate these effects, calling on global leaders to prioritize sustainable practices and invest in climate adaptation strategies as they prepare for the forthcoming COP29 summit.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
