A team of international scientists reported that climate change has intensified rainfall, worsening recent flooding in Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, and Sudan. This year’s seasonal downpours were 5-20% stronger due to global warming, resulting in 1,500 fatalities and over 1 million displaced individuals. Future warming could lead to annual extreme rainfall, necessitating investments in warning systems and infrastructure.
A recent analysis by a team of international scientists has revealed that human-induced climate change has exacerbated the intensity of rainfall that led to catastrophic flooding in various African countries, including Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, and Sudan. According to findings published by World Weather Attribution (WWA), the seasonal rains in 2023 were approximately 5-20% stronger due to global warming, contributing to the severe flooding experienced in these regions. The scientists warned that if global temperatures continue to rise, such intense rainfall patterns may become a recurring issue, possibly occurring annually. Izidine Pinto, a researcher at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, commented, “Spells of heavy summer rainfall have become the new normal in Sudan, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad.” The situation has resulted in tragic consequences, with recent floods claiming around 1,500 lives and forcing over 1 million individuals to evacuate their homes, as reported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Additionally, the excessive rainfall has compromised the structural integrity of dams in Nigeria and Sudan. The WWA further indicated that should global warming reach the threshold of 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), which is projected to occur by the 2050s, such heavy downpours might be expected almost every year in these impacted regions. This alarming projection underscores the urgent need for enhanced investment in early warning systems and dam infrastructure. Joyce Kimutai, a researcher at the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London, highlighted the inequity of the situation, stating that “Africa has contributed a tiny amount of carbon emissions globally, but is being hit the hardest by extreme weather.” She emphasized the responsibility resting on participating nations at the upcoming COP29 climate talks in November to ensure that affluent countries provide substantial financial resources to support vulnerable nations facing the consequences of climate change.
The impacts of climate change are increasingly being felt globally, but some regions experience disproportionate effects despite contributing minimally to the underlying causes. In Africa, extreme weather events such as severe rainfall and flooding have been exacerbated by global warming. The Niger and Lake Chad basins have become focal points for these developments, signaling the urgent need for international cooperation to address climate-related challenges, particularly in economically disadvantaged regions.
In summary, the findings presented by World Weather Attribution illustrate the significant role of human-induced climate change in intensifying rainfall and causing catastrophic flooding in West and Central Africa. With a rising trend of extreme weather predicted, immediate action is required from global leaders, particularly during the COP29 climate talks, to provide meaningful support to vulnerable nations. The data sheds light on the urgent need for investment in infrastructure and early warning systems to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change in affected regions.
Original Source: www.cnbcafrica.com
