The African continent experienced some of its most severe climate extremes on record in 2023, according to the latest State of the Climate in Africa report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The report paints a concerning picture of the impacts of global warming on the region, with rising temperatures, sea levels, and an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
Key findings from the report include that 2023 was one of the three warmest years on record in Africa, with temperatures 0.61°C higher than the 1991-2020 average and 1.28°C above the 1961-1990 baseline. The continent warmed at a rate of 0.3°C per decade between 1991 and 2023.
Extreme heatwaves in July and August affected northern Africa, with new temperature records set in Tunisia (49.0°C) and Morocco (50.4°C) and sea levels around Africa rose at a rate close to or slightly higher than the global mean of 3.4 mm per year, with the highest rate of 4.1 mm per year observed in the Red Sea. Moreover precipitation was notably higher than normal in parts of West and Central Africa, while the Horn of Africa, portions of Southern Africa, and Madagascar experienced significant rainfall deficits leading to severe drought.
At least 4,700 confirmed deaths in Libya were attributed to flooding from the Mediterranean cyclone Storm Daniel in September 2023 and climate extremes are having disproportionate impacts on African economies, causing countries to lose 2-5% of GDP annually on average, with some losing up to 9% of their budgets to respond to climate disasters.
The report emphasizes the urgent need for investment in early warning systems, climate services, and adaptation measures to build resilience across the continent. Estimated adaptation costs in sub-Saharan Africa alone are between $30-50 billion per year over the next decade.
“The State of the Climate in Africa 2023 report underscores the severe and growing impacts of climate change on the continent,” said WMO Secretary-General Prof. Celeste Saulo. “It is a stark reminder of the critical importance of investing in climate adaptation and resilience to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of all Africans.”
As the global community grapples with the realities of a warming world, the report serves as a call to action for greater support and solidarity with African nations on the frontlines of the climate crisis. With the right investments and collaborative action, the report suggests Africa can forge a path towards a more climate-resilient future.
