African Union (AU) Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment Moses Vilakati has warned that the continent’s access to clean water and food security are under immense stress due to climate change.
Briefing journalists on the Second Africa Climate Summit on Monday at African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Vilakati said although Africa contributes a mere 4 percent to the global greenhouse gas emissions, it is grappling with the severe consequences of climate change.
“Africa stands as the continent most severely affected by the repercussions of climate change, particularly under scenarios where global temperatures exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius,” Vilakati said.
He said the continent faces unprecedented collateral damage that threatens its fragile economies and undermines critical infrastructure investments.
“Key systems such as access to clean water and food security are under immense stress, leading to cascading effects on public health and agricultural sustainability,” he said.
As changing weather patterns disrupt farming practices, the risk of crop failures and food shortages looms ever larger, exacerbating the challenges faced by already vulnerable communities, the commissioner noted.
This perilous situation not only compromises the health and well-being of millions but also endangers the modest developmental achievements that Africa has made over the years.
If these issues remain unaddressed, they could plunge the continent into deeper levels of extreme poverty, reversing progress on numerous social and economic fronts, Vilakati warned.
MG/as/APA