Impact of Climate Change on Extreme Rainfall in Africa: A Wake-Up Call for Action
A study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) reveals that anthropogenic climate change is responsible for extreme rainfall causing severe flooding in Sudan, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad. This year’s floods resulted in an estimated 2,000 fatalities and millions displaced. The study indicates that rainfall intensity has increased by 5 to 20 percent due to global warming, with further increases expected as temperatures rise. Immediate improvements in water governance, infrastructure, and early warning systems are necessary to mitigate future risks associated with climate change.
A recent study conducted by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) has determined that anthropogenic climate change has been the driving force behind extreme rainfall events resulting in severe flooding across five African nations: Sudan, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad. Released on October 23, 2024, the study indicates that global warming has intensified this year’s rainfall in the Niger and Lake Chad basins by approximately 5 to 20 percent. Tragically, these floods have claimed the lives of an estimated 2,000 individuals and displaced millions, as reported by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The research highlighted that there has been an 18 percent increase in month-long extreme rainfall events in specific regions of Sudan over the last four decades, a potential outcome of climate change. It appears that hyper-precipitation events are becoming increasingly frequent and are expected to intensify further as global temperatures continue to rise. Looking ahead, projections indicate that if global temperatures escalate by 2°C, the region will experience even more severe rainfall. This poses a significant threat to the region, especially given the confluence of escalating socio-political challenges, such as ongoing conflicts, large-scale displacements of populations, deteriorating public health conditions, acute food insecurity, and a worsening cost of living crisis. Vulnerable communities face heightened risks as their access to essential services is restricted, and internally displaced persons are rendered even more susceptible to flooding disasters. In West and Central Africa, the devastation wrought by flooding has compounded existing issues such as the proliferation of waterborne diseases, exemplified by the cholera outbreak that has resulted in over 350 fatalities in Nigeria. The WWA scientists emphasize the urgent need for improved governance of water resources, better maintenance of infrastructure such as dams, and enhanced investment in early warning systems to mitigate the impact of such catastrophic events in the future. The findings from 2024’s floods in Sudan expose critical challenges related to water governance, particularly in managing shared water resources effectively, thus necessitating immediate and coordinated responses to safeguard affected communities.
The topic of climate change and its impact on African nations is of significance, as extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and flooding, have been increasingly linked to human-induced global warming. The WWA study underscores the direct correlation between climate change and weather patterns, particularly in vulnerable regions such as the Lake Chad and Niger basins. This region has been severely affected by flooding, exacerbated by existing socio-economic challenges such as conflict and urbanization. The research aims to inform strategies for mitigation and adaptation to impending climate challenges that are anticipated as global temperatures rise.
In summary, anthropogenic climate change is a significant factor contributing to the extreme rainfall and resultant flooding experienced in five African nations. The study by WWA highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the impacts of climate change, focusing on infrastructure improvement, water resource management, and early warning systems to protect vulnerable communities. Urgent action is required to mitigate future flooding events and safeguard local populations from the escalating threats posed by a changing climate. Failure to address these issues could lead to increasingly severe humanitarian crises in the region.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
