Rapid Population Growth Fuels Climate Crisis in Africa, Says Think Tank

A new study by the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) warns that Africa’s rapid population growth is exacerbating the continent’s climate crisis, Xinhua reported yesterday.

Released on Wednesday, the research highlights that stabilizing the population could be crucial in addressing climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

With sub-Saharan Africa’s population growing at an annual rate of 2.5%, the region faces significant vulnerability to climate impacts, despite contributing less than 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. AFIDEP experts predict that by 2100, five of the ten most populous countries will be in Africa, leading to increased carbon emissions driven by economic growth, land use changes, and rising resource demands.

The study emphasizes the need for policies aimed at reducing birth rates through improved access to modern contraceptives. Nyovani Madise, Director of Development Policy at AFIDEP, stated that reducing childbearing may be a more effective strategy for lowering emissions compared to altering consumption patterns in industrialized nations.

Additionally, the research calls for development aid to focus on sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and family planning initiatives in rapidly growing, impoverished nations, underscoring the interconnectedness of population dynamics and climate change.