Global Center on Adaptation: How Africa continues to bear the brunt of climate change

Climate change and adaptation have been critical factors in recent years, impacting Africa disproportionately. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently released a report highlighting the urgent need for action, with Patrick Verkooijen, CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation, emphasizing the need for immediate and significant change. Africa continues to bear the brunt of climate change, facing challenges such as droughts, floods, and locust infestations. These multiple risks interact and compound, affecting African economies and livelihoods. There is a sense of 'climate apartheid' unfolding on the continent, highlighting the need for a shift in strategy. The economic benefits of investing in climate adaptation are clear, with every dollar invested yielding a higher return. However, there is a significant gap in adaptation finance, with only a fraction of the needed funds currently flowing to Africa. African nations have put forward the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program, a transformative plan requiring $25 billion over five years to enhance resilience in key sectors like food security, infrastructure, jobs, and innovative solutions. While promises were made at COP26 to increase funding, actual implementation and delivery remain crucial. Cities play a vital role in climate change adaptation, with over 40% of Africa's population residing in urban areas, expected to grow over time. Informal settlements pose unique challenges, making it essential to integrate climate adaptation into city planning and infrastructure development. African nations have already taken steps towards climate resilience, such as Ivory Coast issuing a green bond and Kenya investing $10 billion in climate adaptation. The urgency for action is clear, with the window narrowing to invest in climate-resilient development. The time for solidarity and tangible action is now, as the consequences of inaction are dire.