African Union Climate Change And Resilient Development Strategy And Action Plan (2022-2032)

African Union

Download

Abstract: Climate change poses unprecedented challenges to the survival of humans,animals,plant life and ecosystems. It threatens social and economic systems,while putting development gains at risk. Relief programmes and other responses to disasters may require countries to redirect limited resources intended for other development priorities. Despite Africa having contributed less than 4% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,it is one of the regions that are most vulnerable to climate variability and change. This is due to the continentâ??s biophysical makeup as well as numerous socio-economic vulnerabilities â?? including a high dependence on rain-fed agriculture (and natural resource-based sectors broadly),a lack of alternative livelihood support,widespread poverty and inequality,weak adaptive capacity,low levels of education,and inequitable access to financial resources,credit,markets,and climate information services (CIS). Even as Africa grapples with the impacts of climate change,agricultural production will need to increase by approximately 50% by 2050 to meet the needs of the regionâ??s growing population. Cities need to provide services to ever greater numbers of urban residents and massive investments are needed to address infrastructure backlogs. It is therefore urgent for the continent to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and mainstream climate action into its broader social and economic development activities.