Africa Set to Exceed 1.5°C Climate Change Threshold by 2040
CABI Reviews highlights that all five subregions of Africa will exceed the 1.5°C climate change threshold by 2040, even under conservative emission scenarios. A team from various institutions conducted a review to propose just transition pathways for agriculture. This situation underscores the necessity for adaptive strategies despite Africa’s minimal contributions to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Recent research featured in CABI Reviews indicates that all five subregions of Africa will surpass the 1.5°C climate change threshold, as defined by the Paris Agreement, by the year 2040. This alarming prediction stands firm even under low emission scenarios, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of the continent to climate change impacts despite its relatively minor share of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is below 4%.
The research was conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Zimbabwe, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Kenya, and the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES). They undertook a comprehensive literature review to create a framework for equitable transition pathways for Africa’s agriculture toward low-emission and climate-resilient development amid a projected rise of 1.5°C in global temperatures.
The findings underscore the urgent need for effective adaptation and mitigation strategies, as Africa’s agriculture plays a crucial role in the continent’s socio-economic framework. With the 1.5°C threshold nearing, practical measures and policies must be prioritized to ensure sustainable agricultural practices that can withstand the anticipated climatic shifts.
In related developments, recent initiatives, such as ICRISAT’s training of officials from fourteen nations on land degradation and achieving carbon neutrality, illustrate ongoing efforts to address climate-related challenges across Africa.
In conclusion, the study emphasizes the urgent reality that Africa is poised to breach the 1.5°C climate change threshold by 2040, necessitating immediate action. Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, the continent’s regions face imminent threats requiring strategic frameworks for agriculture’s transition to lower emissions. The collective efforts in climate adaptation and mitigation are imperative to safeguard Africa’s future.
Original Source: www.cgiar.org
