Scientists report that climate change significantly intensified recent rainfall in flood-prone African countries, contributing to severe floods that caused approximately 1,500 deaths and displaced over a million people. The findings indicate that such intense rainfall may become annual if global warming continues, emphasizing the need for improved climate adaptation strategies and financial support from developed nations.
A recent report from an international team of scientists underscores the role of climate change in exacerbating torrential rains and subsequent floods in several African nations, including Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, and Sudan. According to World Weather Attribution (WWA), global warming has heightened the intensity of seasonal rains this year by approximately 5-20%, particularly across the Niger and Lake Chad regions. The report warns that, if climate change persists, such intense rainfall may become a regular occurrence. Izidine Pinto, a researcher at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, stated, “Spells of heavy summer rainfall have become the new normal in Sudan, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad.” The severe rainfall this year has had devastating impacts, resulting in the death of around 1,500 individuals and displacing more than one million in West and Central Africa, as reported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The floods have also overwhelmed dam systems in Nigeria and Sudan. The assessment indicates that if global temperatures rise by 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), which may occur as early as the 2050s, such destructive downpours could transpire annually in the affected regions. WWA advocates for heightened investments in early warning systems and the modernization of dam infrastructures to mitigate future disasters. Joyce Kimutai, a researcher at the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London, emphasized, “Africa has contributed a tiny amount of carbon emissions globally, but is being hit the hardest by extreme weather.” She highlighted the upcoming COP29 climate talks in November as a critical point for wealthy nations to provide significant financial support for climate adaptation efforts.
The increasing intensity of rainfall linked to climate change poses a significant threat to African nations, which are among the most vulnerable to extreme weather phenomena. The region has experienced unprecedented levels of flooding, with millions impacted and numerous fatalities reported. The relationship between global warming and severe weather events is of growing concern, particularly as it affects the livelihoods and safety of populations in these countries. Reports from reputable organizations such as the World Weather Attribution illustrate this connection and call for urgent action to address the consequences of climate change.
In conclusion, the evidence presented by scientists indicates that human-induced climate change has significantly worsened rainfall patterns, leading to devastating floods in several African countries. With the potential for these extreme weather events to become more frequent, it is crucial for global leaders to prioritize climate finance and infrastructure improvements, particularly during pivotal events like COP29. The disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa, despite its minimal contribution to global carbon emissions, highlights the urgent need for international cooperation and support to address this pressing challenge.
Original Source: www.cnbcafrica.com
