Climate Change Intensifies Deadly Floods Across Africa, Scientists Warn

A recent study has revealed that climate change significantly intensified the devastating floods in African regions, with scientists noting that such rainfall may become common if global warming continues. Approximately 1,500 fatalities and over 1 million displacements have occurred due to this year’s floods in West and Central Africa. Experts are advocating for urgent climate action at the upcoming Cop29 summit to address this escalating crisis and highlight the disproportionate impact on Africa despite its minimal contribution to global emissions.

Recent analysis by an international team of scientists has determined that climate change has exacerbated the severe floods in several African nations, including Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, and Sudan, resulting in the deaths of hundreds and displacing millions. The World Weather Attribution (WWA) reported that this year’s heavy rains, which were approximately 5-20 percent more intense due to human-induced climate change, have become a concerning norm in these regions. The researchers also warned that if global warming persists, such heavy rainfall could manifest annually. Izidine Pinto, a researcher at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, emphasized, “Spells of heavy summer rainfall have become the new normal in Sudan, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad.” He further cautioned that “with every fraction of a degree of warming, the risk of extreme floods will keep increasing” and advocated for urgent action at the upcoming UN Cop29 climate summit in Azerbaijan to expedite the transition away from fossil fuels. The UN aid agency OCHA reported that this year’s flooding had resulted in the loss of around 1,500 lives and displaced over 1 million individuals, pushing an already vulnerable region into deeper humanitarian crises. The floods during the months of June through September have significantly impacted Sudan, obstructing aid delivery and straining resources. The WWA has indicated that if global temperatures rise to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by the 2050s, such rainfall events could become nearly annual occurrences in the affected areas.

The ongoing climate crisis has had severe repercussions on weather patterns globally, with certain regions experiencing a marked increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including floods. The Niger and Lake Chad basins have been particularly vulnerable, enduring devastating flooding that has been linked to climate change. The impact of this phenomenon is profound, resulting in loss of life, widespread displacement, and overwhelming humanitarian needs in the affected nations. Understanding the role of climate change is crucial in framing the necessary responses and resource allocation to mitigate these effects, especially in regions like Africa that contribute minimally to global carbon emissions yet experience the most significant impacts.

The evidence presented by WWA and the concerns raised by experts underline the urgent need to address the implications of climate change on extreme weather. With intensified rainfall leading to recurring floods, there is a pressing call for international cooperation and commitment, particularly from wealthier nations, to finance and implement initiatives aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of climate change in vulnerable regions of Africa. The upcoming Cop29 summit represents a pivotal opportunity for global leaders to enact meaningful changes that can help protect those most affected by the climate crisis.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr