Africa’s Climate Challenge: Surpassing 1.5°C Threshold by 2040

Research reveals that all five subregions of Africa will breach the 1.5°C climate change threshold by 2040, despite contributing less than 4% of global emissions. Conducted by scientists from several institutions, the study reflects on the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices to adapt to climate impacts. The findings indicate a pressing need for coordinated climate action across the continent.

Recent research published in CABI Reviews indicates that all five subregions of Africa will exceed the 1.5°C climate change threshold established by the Paris Agreement by the year 2040, even under scenarios of low greenhouse gas emissions. This study underscores the urgent need for climate action in Africa, despite the continent contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The study was conducted by a collaborative team from the University of Zimbabwe, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Kenya, and the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES). They performed a comprehensive literature review to create a framework aimed at guiding Africa’s agricultural sector towards low-emission and climate-resilient development, regardless of reaching a global warming of 1.5°C.

The team discovered that the imminent threat of breaching the 1.5°C limit poses significant risks, prompting the necessity for proactive measures in climate adaptation and mitigation across Africa. The research highlights the profound implications of climate change on agriculture and food security in the continent by 2040, influencing policy and action plans necessary for future sustainability.

In conclusion, the study asserts that Africa is on a trajectory to surpass the critical 1.5°C climate change threshold by 2040, necessitating immediate intervention despite low emission scenarios. It emphasizes the importance of developing climate-resilient agricultural practices to safeguard the continent’s future against the adverse impacts of climate change. Collaboration among African nations and organizations is essential to achieve low-emission development pathways.

Original Source: www.cgiar.org