African climate change strategies.
Exceptionally heavy rainfall across East Africa since October has affected some 3 million people through flooding, highlighting the vulnerability of African countries to increased climate variability. High dependence on agriculture means that food security is sensitive to climate events, worsening hunger. While African countries were at the forefront of demands for increased disaster recovery financing (‘loss and damage’) at the recently concluded COP25 UN climate conference in Madrid, this was among the heavily disputed issues that did not reach substantive consensus with developed countries.
Climate resilience will increasingly be tied to social protection measures (eg, household cash transfer trials before expected drought).
Coal’s role in South Africa’s energy policy will be an increasing source of tension between Pretoria, unions and environmental activists.
Governments will encourage production of drought-resistant alternatives to maize but will face cultural resistance.
