The EIB survey, relating the impact of climate change on the African continent, shows that the harmful effects are already harming the income of the population. Hence the need to understand these repercussions, in particular through investments in renewable energies.
Africa is the part of the world most affected by climate change, although it is the part that contributes the least to the problem. This is one of the conclusions of the first African edition of the 2022 climate survey conducted by the European Investment Bank (EIB), with the aim of fueling the debate on behaviors and expectations in terms of of climate action.
In terms of sampling, more than 6,000 people, aged 15 and over, from 10 African countries including Morocco, took part in the survey between August 1 and 25, 2022, with a representative panel for each of the countries. examined. As the continent faces an increased threat from extreme weather events that influence agricultural yield, food and water security, the question of what actions are being taken to mitigate the horrors of these phenomena has been raised.
Indeed, 88% of Africans surveyed believe that climate change is already having an impact on their daily lives. Through their harmful effects on vital resources and the increased competition they entail for natural resources, climate change risks increasing poverty, inequality and unemployment.
In the same vein, the survey results confirm that climate change has had a detrimental impact on the livelihoods of Africans. Moreover, 61% of them declared that climate change is affecting their income. And to remedy this, 57% of respondents have resorted to initiatives including investments in technologies allowing them to save water or in the cleaning of pipes in anticipation of floods. It also shows that 76% of Africans surveyed indicate that priority should be given to renewable energy.
It should be noted that the results of the survey come at a critical moment for Africa, after COP 27 where the mobilization of resources for the mitigation of global warming and the adaptation to its effects were at the heart of the debates with the conclusion of a decisive agreement on a new “loss and damage” fund for vulnerable countries hard hit by climate disasters.
Sami Nemli / ECO Inspirations