Climate Change Workshop Zimbabwe Climate Change Workshop

Some background data

Rising Population and Land

Who is vulnerable?

Drinking Water

The evidence

Climate change and Africa Some regions are likely to experience water shortages. Coupled with increasing demand, this is likely to result in large increases in the number of people at risk of water scarcity. It is likely to affect livelihoods, the report by the International Panel on Climate Change says. Projected reductions in the area suitable for growing crops, and in the length of the growing season, are likely to produce an increased risk of hunger. In some countries, yields from rain-fed agriculture could be reduced by up to 50% by 2020. Rising sea levels threaten large cities. Degradation of coral reefs and mangroves is likely, with impacts on local fisheries and tourism. Rising temperatures, coupled with over-fishing, will decrease the supply of fish from large lakes, with important impacts on food supplies.

Predicted Change in Africa’s Rainfall

Where water is scarce

Some opinions Between $10bn (£5.2bn) and $40bn is needed annually to seriously reduce the problems of global warming in the developing world but industrialised countries have given only $43m - a tenth of the amount they have pledged - while rich country fossil fuel subsidies total $73bn a year. Leading agencies say that greenhouse emissions cuts of 60% - 90% will ultimately be needed - way beyond the targets set in the Kyoto agreement. "Climate change is overwhelming the situation in Africa... unless we take genuine steps now to reduce our emissions, people in the developed world will be condemning millions to hunger, starvation and death,“ Tony Juniper, Director Friends of The earth.

The impact on Africa’s cereal production