Abstract

African countries have in recent years recorded considerable economic gains. Sub-Saharan African economies are projected to grow by 3.7 per cent in 2010 compared with 1.3 per cent for industrialised countries and 2.5 per cent for developing countries, excluding India and China. But this hopeful outlook now faces new threats from climate change. According to the World Development Report 2010: Development and Climate Change, released today, a two-degree Celsius warming above pre-industrial levels could permanently reduce Africa’s annual per capita consumption by four to five per cent. The report calls for urgent action to ensure that Africa’s prospects are not undermined by climate change. Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions have been modest because of its low levels of industrial output. Yet the continent is likely to suffer disproportionately from climate change. African countries are therefore right to demand that international climate negotiations be based on principles of historical justice.

Citation

Juma, Calestous. "Climate Change a Stumbling Block to Africa's Economies." Daily Nation (Kenya), September 15, 2009.