A recent study reveals that Africa will reach the 1.5°C climate change threshold by 2040, even in low emission scenarios. Conducted by experts from several institutions, the research emphasizes the urgent need for transformative agricultural practices to adapt to climate impacts, despite Africa’s minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. The findings call for immediate action to develop climate-resilient strategies across Africa’s subregions.
Recent research published in CABI Reviews indicates that all five subregions of Africa are projected to surpass the 1.5°C threshold for climate change by the year 2040, even under scenarios with low greenhouse gas emissions. A collaborative literature review conducted by experts from the University of Zimbabwe, the International Livestock Research Institute in Kenya, and the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support aimed to create a framework for transitioning African agriculture towards low-emission and climate-resilient practices in line with the Paris Agreement.
Despite Africa contributing less than 4% of the total global greenhouse emissions, evidence suggests that climatic impacts will still require action to mitigate the repercussions of reaching the critical 1.5°C milestone. The findings underscore the urgent need for regional strategies that reflect the reality of climate change in Africa’s diverse agricultural contexts, particularly as each of its subregions faces unique challenges.
In conclusion, the findings of this research highlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address climate change impacts in Africa, particularly as the continent faces an imminent breach of the 1.5°C threshold. Even with low emission scenarios, all subregions of Africa will be affected, necessitating immediate actions across various sectors, especially agriculture, to foster climate resilience. Timely development of just transition pathways is critical to safeguard the future of African communities in the face of climate change.
Original Source: www.cgiar.org
