If current climate change trends continue, crop production in Africa will decrease by 2.9% in 2030 and 18% in 2050. It is estimated that, in that year, some 200 million people will suffer from extreme hunger. The loss of about 30% of income from agricultural production will translate into an increase in poverty of between 20% and 30%, as opposed to a scenario without climate change. Product sales will be affected and prices will rise due to shortages.
In Africa, 42.5% of the working class is dedicated to agriculture. The incomes of those workers (most of them from rural backgrounds) will plummet. Currently, a high percentage of individuals living in the countryside are poor, and the majority of impoverished people In Africa it is concentrated in rural areas. The decline of the agricultural sector could condemn more people to extreme poverty.
Rural farmers whose crops depend on rain and who do not have irrigation systems to grow their crops are the ones who will have it the worst
We will also suffer from problems related to food security and those engaged in agriculture will have to face the possibility of losing their jobs. Rural farmers whose crops depend on rain and who do not have irrigation systems to grow their crops will have it worst.
A sharp drop in GDP
Africa is projected to suffer a long-term decline (2050 and beyond) of 7.12% of its gross domestic product (GDP). GDP tells us what the wealth situation of economies is like at a given time. If wealth is created, companies flourish and jobs are generated. The taxes collected cover investment in infrastructure, aid and the provision of social services, such as healthcare and unemployment benefits. If the current pace of climate change continues like this, a 7.12% drop in GDP will severely affect these wealth generation potentials.
Country estimates illustrate higher losses in terms of GDP in the most affected regions of Africa: from 11.2% to 26.6% in the long term. When the size of economies shrinks, businesses can go bankrupt, some people lose their jobs, and jobs are not created. For the African population, this is important, because it is estimated that, in the coming years, the continent will exceed the 2,000 million inhabitants. The African population is the youngest in the world. So if economies collapse, where would all these young people go to earn a living? It is very worrying.
Water at a golden price
Homes and industries will suffer from severe water shortages. For example, if before we could consume water at any time of the day, now you will have a much more limited supply; In other words, there will be such a low amount of water that it will not satisfy our needs. This is a supply and demand problem. There will be greater demand for water resources, but due to low supply, prices will skyrocket. In the future, if nothing is done to prevent it, water in Africa will be paid for at the price of gold.
Adaptation and mitigation to avoid disaster?
When we talk about climate change, we talk about an action that is group or collective. Of course, governments can do the most. They have to promote the necessary change initiatives by supporting private projects related to climate change adaptation and mitigation, both directly and through incentives.
No adaptation and mitigation attempt is too small. If these are coordinated, results can be obtained. Individual households and businesses can help a lot. For example, people can reduce the amount of meat and dairy products they consume or opt for other types of transportation, such as cycling, walking, or public transportation when possible. At home, you can take steps to save energy. Likewise, green spaces must be respected and protected. People who use banks should ensure that the investments they make are responsible. It is always important to know what type of investment they are using the money for. If it is something that does not respect the environment, customers and users may show their rejection.
Regardless of the secondary effects of climate change, no one is exempt from suffering its consequences. Everyone has a voice and it is important to use it on climate issues.
Climate change is a current and imminent environmental crisis. Luckily, there is room to do something before the unthinkable happens. I urge African leaders to be very proactive in climate change and mitigation efforts. The agricultural sector is an economic lifeline for most African countries, but climate change puts it in check. If we don’t act now, climate change could create a permanent state of economic misery.
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