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20 October 2021.
Introduction:
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and other agency released its new report on October 19, 2021. In its report, these agencies warned that, Africa’s rare glaciers are going to disappear in next two decades because of climate change.
Highlights:
- The report was released ahead of “U.N. climate conference” which is scheduled for October 31, 2021 in Scotland.
- As per report, 1.3 billion people of Africa remain extremely vulnerable as African continent warms more and at a faster rate than the global average, even though 54 countries in Africa contributes for less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- Report notes that, shrinking glaciers of Mount Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda are the symbol of rapid and widespread changes to come. Present retreat rates of these glaciers are higher than global average. If this continues to happen, there will be total deglaciation by 2040s.
- By 2030, around 118 million extremely poor people, or people living on less than $1.90 a day, will be exposed to floods, drought and extreme heat in Africa.
Economic effects of climate change
- Estimates of economic effects of climate change vary in the African continent.
- However, in sub-Saharan Africa, climate change will decrease the gross domestic product by 3% by 2050.
- Cost of adapting to climate change in Africa will increase to $50 billion per year by 2050.
Famine in Madagascar
- United Nations has warned that “climate change has resulted into famine-like conditions in Madagascar, located in Indian Ocean Island.
- It also notes that, South Sudan are going through the worst flooding in about 60 years.