African nations are losing up to 5% of their GDP per year with climate change, a new report says

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🗞️ Driving the news: A new report reveals that African nations are losing up to 5% of their GDP annually due to climate change, making the continent disproportionately affected compared to the rest of the world
• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) highlights that Africa, which contributes less than 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, faces severe impacts from extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves

🔭 The context: Africa is experiencing a rapid warming trend that surpasses the global average, with 2023 being one of its three hottest years on record. The WMO report emphasizes the urgent need for
• African governments to invest in early warning systems and meteorological services to mitigate the effects of climate change
• The report warns that without adequate measures, up to 118 million Africans could be exposed to extreme weather by 2030

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa underscores the global inequities in climate vulnerability and adaptation needs
• Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, African countries are forced to allocate significant portions of their budgets—up to 9%—to climate adaptation, highlighting the urgent need for global support and justice in climate action

⏭️ What's next: The report calls for increased investment in climate adaptation and resilience measures across Africa
• Without such investments, the economic and humanitarian toll on the continent is expected to rise sharply, with extreme weather events predicted to intensify in the coming years

💬 One quote: “Africa has observed a warming trend that has become more rapid than the global average,” warned WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo, emphasizing the far-reaching impacts on food security, public health, and peace

📈 One stat: In 2023, approximately 300,000 people across West Africa were affected by floods, with Zambia experiencing its worst drought in 40 years, impacting nearly 6 million people

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