Book Chapter

Combatting Climate Change: An Urgent Call for Comprehensive Global and Local Action

Chapter 4 of the Foresight Africa 2020 report, explores six overarching themes that provide opportunities for Africa to overcome its obstacles and spur inclusive growth. The first part of the chapter, under the heading : Africa can play a leading role in the fight against climate change, is written by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. It discusses the fact that world leaders are expected to come forward with updated, more ambitious national climate plans under the Paris Agreement. Though buried deep within the legalese of the Paris Agreement, this point of process is both a critical test and a once-in-a lifetime opportunity. The next article is titled : Viewpoint – Confronting the challenges of climate change on Africa’s coastal areas by Ahmadou Aly Mbaye. This article talks about climate change which will undoubtedly present one of the most significant risks to Africa’s sustainable development objectives over the next decade, and nowhere is the threat more imminent than on its coastlines. Indeed, recent estimates show that sea levels could rise 100 cm by 2100, further compounding the many hazards threatening the region. The next article is titled: Policy priorities for achieving food and nutrition security by 2030 written by Simeon Ehui Holger Kray and Elliot Mghenyi. A key priority for Africa over the next decade should be to address a deteriorating food security situation that is compounded by the effects of climate change, declining agricultural productivity, and rapid population and urbanization growth. Encouragingly, this priority is reflected in initiatives shared by Africa and the world.