The recent report from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), one of the specialized agencies of the United Nations (UN), brings alarming news about Africa’s rare glaciers. The report indicates a strong possibility that these will vanish in the next two decades due to climate change. According to the data, the retreat rates of these glaciers are higher than the global average, suggesting a complete de-glaciation by the 2040s if the current trends persist.
Key Findings of the WMO Report
Interestingly, despite contributing less than 4% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, Africa is projected to suffer most from the adverse impacts of global warming. Changes in the climate pose significant threats to the livelihood and well-being of Africa’s 1.3 billion people.
The three surviving mountain glaciers on the continent, located on Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), Mount Kenya (Kenya), and the Ruwenzori Mountains (Uganda), are shrinking at a fast pace. Experts predict their disappearance within twenty years – imminently affecting the biodiversity and the regional hydrological systems.
Furthermore, climate change could deduct up to 3% of the gross domestic product in sub-Saharan Africa by 2050. The region will also likely face a steep financial burden of adapting to climate change — an estimated $50 billion per year by 2050.
Other devastating repercussions include famine-like conditions in Madagascar and the worst flooding South Sudan has seen in the last 60 years — both largely driven by climate change. With an increase in extreme climatic events such as droughts and floods, the future could bring more displacement, hunger, and weather-related disasters, significantly affecting millions of people across Africa.
About Glaciers and Deglaciation
At present, glaciers, ice caps, and continental ice sheets cover roughly 10% of the earth’s land surface, a significant reduction from the Ice Age when they covered nearly triple this amount. These ice formations account for about three-quarters of the world’s fresh water resources.
Deglaciation is the term used to describe the gradual disappearance of a glacier from a landmass’s surface. This process, which gained momentum during the 20th century, threatens to leave the planet devoid of ice.
Causes of Deglaciation
The main culprits behind deglaciation are global warming and ocean warming, largely driven by human activities such as industry, transport, deforestation, and burning of fossil fuels. These activities increase the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases, causing glaciers to melt.
Since the industrial revolution in the early 1900s, rapid industrialization has led to higher carbon dioxide levels and other greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in increased temperatures and accelerated glacier melting.
Way Forward
Despite the imminent threats to Africa due to climate change, African voices are significantly underrepresented in global climate negotiations, including the IPCC reports. Increasing African participation in these crucial discussions is vital to ensure that their specific concerns and vulnerabilities are addressed adequately.
Additionally, the African continent would need investments of over $3 trillion in mitigation and adaptation strategies by 2030 to implement its national climate plan. Mobilizing substantial, accessible, and predictable inflows of green financing in Africa will be crucial to meet this goal.
By taking assertive action now, we can help slow down the rate of deglaciation, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and safeguard the future of our planet.
