Climate Change Intensifies Crisis Across Africa: Rising Temperatures, Floods, and Drought Threaten Millions
Africa faces escalating climate impacts with 2024 temperatures 0.86°C above average, causing widespread floods, droughts, and displacement affecting millions across the continent.
Africa is confronting an urgent climate crisis marked by rising temperatures, extreme weather, and severe socio-economic consequences, the UN reported. In 2024, the continent’s average surface temperature rose approximately 0.86°C above the 1991–2020 baseline, with North Africa experiencing the highest increase at 1.28°C, making it the fastest-warming sub-region. This warming has intensified marine heatwaves across the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, further destabilizing ecosystems.
Extreme weather events have displaced over 700,000 people across Africa in the past year. Flooding in northern Nigeria’s Borno state killed 230 people and displaced 600,000, while West Africa’s torrential rains affected 4 million people. Conversely, southern countries like Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe endured the worst drought in two decades, with cereal harvests dropping 43% and 50% below average, respectively.
South Sudan exemplifies these challenges, suffering recurrent floods and droughts that devastate livelihoods. Recent floods displaced 300,000 people and destroyed millions of farm animals vital to local economies. The country faces compounded crises including ongoing conflict and economic instability, with 90% of revenue reliant on oil exports disrupted by regional violence.
Heatwaves are also disrupting education; schools in South Sudan closed in March 2024 as temperatures soared to 45°C. UNICEF reports that 242 million students globally missed school due to extreme weather in 2024, many in sub-Saharan Africa.
Experts emphasize that desalination is not a feasible solution for most African nations due to economic and environmental constraints. Instead, investment in early warning systems, water harvesting, and climate adaptation strategies is critical to mitigate the continent’s growing climate vulnerability.
