Global powers must support Africa in climate change fight

Climate change is not just an environmental issue, it is a global crisis with economic, social and security implications. Nowhere is this crisis more evident than in Africa, a continent that contributes a minimal amount to global greenhouse gas emissions yet suffers disproportionately from climate-related disasters.

Reports from the World Meteorological Organization and the UN confirm that Africa bears an increasingly heavy burden from climate change, with adaptation costs rising and economic stability at risk. Global powers must recognize that helping Africa combat climate change is not merely an act of goodwill — it is an essential strategy for securing global economic and political stability.

Africa’s vulnerability to climate change is exacerbated by its limited adaptive capacity and reliance on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture. The continent has witnessed rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns and extreme weather events, including severe droughts, floods and cyclones. According to recent findings, these environmental changes are drastically affecting local ecosystems and the livelihoods of millions.

Farmers in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa are witnessing dramatic changes in their environment. Many have reported a decline in predictable rainfall, leading to poor harvests, food shortages and economic hardship. Some regions that were once fertile are now experiencing desertification, forcing communities to abandon their traditional agricultural practices.

The consequences are dire. Water scarcity, declining fish stocks and land degradation are increasing competition for resources, often leading to conflicts and displacement. The UN estimates that millions of Africans will be forced to migrate due to climate-induced changes, leading to overpopulated cities, heightened social tensions and increased strain on already-fragile economies.

According to the World Meteorological Organization, if effective measures are not implemented, more than 100 million people living in extreme poverty in Africa — surviving on less than $1.90 per day — could face severe threats from droughts, floods and extreme heat by 2030.

But climate change is not just an environmental issue for Africa, it is also a major economic crisis. Many African economies depend heavily on agriculture, a sector highly susceptible to climate variations. As droughts have become more frequent and unpredictable rainfall has disrupted traditional farming cycles, gross domestic product growth in several African nations has slowed.

Reports indicate that Africa’s economic growth, which is forecast to increase from 3.4 percent in 2024 to 4 percent by 2026, is under severe threat from climate change. Persistent droughts and floods are wiping out crops and livestock, devastating smallholder farmers who form the backbone of many African economies. The loss of agricultural productivity reduces food supply, drives up prices and increases hunger and malnutrition.

The continent has witnessed rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns and extreme weather events

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

Beyond agriculture, infrastructure damage caused by extreme weather events is imposing massive costs on African governments. Floods are destroying roads, bridges and power grids, while rising temperatures are stressing energy systems. The financial burden of rebuilding after climate disasters diverts critical resources from essential services such as healthcare and education, deepening existing inequalities.

In spite of being responsible for only about 3.8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa is bearing some of the worst consequences of climate change. This glaring disparity underscores the ethical and practical responsibility of global powers — especially high-emitting countries — to assist Africa in combating climate change.

However, this is not just about fairness. The reality is that climate change in Africa has repercussions for the entire world. For example, the continent plays a crucial role in global food security. If agricultural production in Africa collapses due to climate change, food shortages will ripple through international markets, driving up prices and causing instability elsewhere.

Moreover, climate-induced migration is a growing concern. As environmental conditions worsen, millions of Africans will be forced to seek refuge in urban centers or even abroad, increasing pressure on neighboring countries and Europe. If left unaddressed, climate-driven displacement could contribute to geopolitical tensions, economic instability and humanitarian crises beyond Africa’s borders.

But Africa’s vulnerability to climate change is not solely due to environmental factors, it is also the result of economic limitations. Many African nations lack the financial and technological resources to implement large-scale climate adaptation strategies.

In other words, the costs associated with climate adaptation are disproportionately high for African countries. A lack of access to climate financing means that many nations struggle to invest in crucial infrastructure improvements, such as better irrigation systems, renewable energy and disaster preparedness. While developed nations have the resources to buffer against climate shocks, African governments are often forced to divert already-limited funds from essential services to address climate-related damages.

As a result, without external financial and technical assistance, Africa’s ability to cope with climate change will remain limited. Climate adaptation must be treated as a global responsibility, with wealthier nations playing a key role in providing funding, technology transfers and capacity-building initiatives.

Global powers ought to understand that investing in Africa’s climate resilience is not just about charity — it is an investment in global stability and economic security. Supporting Africa’s transition to renewable energy, for example, will contribute to worldwide emission reduction targets while opening up new markets for green technology investments.

In addition, helping African countries build climate resilience can also prevent wider economic crises. When African economies suffer due to climate disasters, the ripple effects extend globally, affecting international trade, commodity markets and financial stability. By fostering economic resilience in Africa, leading powers can help ensure a more stable and prosperous global economy.

Furthermore, addressing climate-induced migration at its source — by improving living conditions and economic opportunities in Africa — can reduce the strain on global refugee systems. Instead of dealing with the humanitarian crises that result from forced migration, proactive investment in Africa can mitigate the root causes of displacement.

In a nutshell, climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing Africa, disproportionately affecting its economies, food security and population stability. Despite contributing minimally to the problem, African nations are bearing the brunt of climate disasters and have limited resources to cope. Global powers ought to step up and recognize their responsibility in assisting Africa. Supporting climate adaptation efforts on the continent is not just about fairness — it is about securing global economic stability, preventing geopolitical crises and fostering sustainable development for all. In other words, by helping Africa, the world ultimately helps itself.

• Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian American political scientist. X: @Dr_Rafizadeh