Sub-Saharan Africa emits few greenhouse gases: while it represents about 20% of the world’s population, its population is considered to be responsible for less than 5% of global CO2 emissions. This contribution can be explained by the limited levels of emissions due to its low level of industrial development, which requires few fossil resources.
A low polluter, the continent will unfortunately suffer the full consequences of climate disruption: it will be confronted with extreme climatic events (floods, droughts) while the rise in sea levels will endanger the 10 million inhabitants who live in coastal cities (Lagos, Dakar, Abidjan, Lomé …).
In the countryside, agricultural yields could decrease by up to 25% depending on the vegetation and the scenarios, creating food insecurity that will put hundreds of thousands of climate refugees on the road. To meet this challenge, the United Nations Environment Programme estimates that Africa will have to mobilize 50 to 100 billion dollars to adapt its territories and its population to future changes.
In view of the climate injustice, it seems legitimate that the effort should also rest on the shoulders of developed countries, the main drivers of climate change.
