economic commission for africa the economic impact of climate change: an african perspective...
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Economic Commission for Africa
The Economic Impact of Climate The Economic Impact of Climate change: An African Perspectivechange: An African Perspective
The Economic Impact of Climate The Economic Impact of Climate change: An African Perspectivechange: An African Perspective
Abdoulie JannehAbdoulie JannehUN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary, ECA
October 2009
Climate changeClimate change
Scientific Evidence
SERIOUS !
URGENT !
Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC)
Climate change: African perspectiveClimate change: African perspective
AFRICA
Hardest hit by the impacts
Contributes LESS< 4%
GREENHOUSE GAS
EMISSIONS
Climate change: African perspectiveClimate change: African perspective
Scientists estimate – The continent likely to experience:
Higher temperature increases
Changing rainfall patterns
Rising sea levels
Increased climate variability
Increased severity & frequency of droughts, floods & storms
Changes in agricultural, livestock and fisheries productivity
Increase in water-related diseases
Exacerbate current socio-economic
challenges+
Meeting the MDGs
Climate change: African perspectiveClimate change: African perspective
IPCC AR4: Potential sectoral impacts of CC in Africa
By 2020, 75-250 mil people exposedto increased water stress
By 2020, in some countries, yields from rain-fed agriculture reduced by upto 50%
Towards the end of the 21st century, projected sea level will affect low-lying coastal areas
By 2080, 5-8 % increase of arid & semi-arid land in Africa
Climate change: African perspectiveClimate change: African perspective
Recent Modeling indicates that in Africa …
loss of 4.7% of GNP Temp. increase
of 2 oC
hunger for 128 mil.
108 mil. affected by flooding
sea level rise of 15 – 95 cm
Temp. rise of 2.5 – 5 degrees
Climate change: African perspectiveClimate change: African perspective
Hampers human development
Nature & extent of climate change
Major threat to human security
Hampers ecosystems integrity
Spark violent conflicts
Massive migrationsdue to climate change Fuel international
Out migration
Climate change: African perspectiveClimate change: African perspective
Most vulnerable +
Least able to adapt to the impacts of CC
Africa’s reliance on local ecological
Resources+
Existing stresses on health and well-being
+Limited financial,
institutional and human resources
Increasing frequency of severe weather-related events
Consequences for the little development gains registered
Climate change: African perspectiveClimate change: African perspective
Adaptation …… crucial !
Cost of adaptation 5 – 10 % GDP
IPCC estimate
Mitigation …… also important !
Cost of mitigation forDeveloping countries
US$ 100 – 200 billion
Leveraging Partnerships for CC in AfricaLeveraging Partnerships for CC in Africa
Consultations on Africa’s position on Copenhagen outcomes
Negotiators
High-level experts
Ministers
Heads of State & Governments
African Common Position on Climate Change
13th Ordinary Summit of the African Union, July
2009
Conference of African Heads of State
& Governments on Climate Change (CAHOSCC)
Members:
Algeria, Rep. of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique,
Nigeria, Uganda, Chairpersons of AU & AUC, Chairperson of AMCEN
Leveraging Partnerships for CC in AfricaLeveraging Partnerships for CC in Africa
Consultations on Africa’s position on Copenhagen outcomes
AU SummitAug/Sep 2009Tripoli, Libya
Mr. Meles ZenawiPrime Minister of Ethiopia
Designated as Africa’s spokesperson
on climate change
50 African countries
ONE VOICE
Political impetus to engage with the global community
Leveraging Partnerships for CC in AfricaLeveraging Partnerships for CC in Africa
ECA
ECA actively engaged in Africa regional process towards Copenhagen
African Climate Policy Centre (ACPC)
Climate for Developmentin Africa
(Climdev-Africa)
Supported by DFID
Important role in shaping Africa’s policy responses & actions post 2012
CC regime
Economic Commission for Africa
Thank You!Thank You!
www.uneca.orgwww.uneca.org
Thank You!Thank You!
www.uneca.orgwww.uneca.org