Africa, despite contributing to less than 4% of global CO₂ emissions, faces some of the most severe climate change impacts. With a rapidly growing population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050 and an accelerating urbanisation where we could see over 65% of Africans living in cities by 2060. The economic growth dependent on fossil fuels, the continent’s emissions and environmental pressures are increasing and without urgent interventions, climate vulnerabilities will intensify, leading to food insecurity, economic losses, and public health crises.
Among the biggest challenges is Africa’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels especially for cooking and household needs. While the continent’s total CO₂ emissions stood at 1.45 gigatonnes in 2018, a fraction of global emissions, its energy sector remains carbon-intensive. South Africa alone consumes 84% of Africa’s coal, while countries like Nigeria, Angola, and Algeria rely heavily on oil and gas. Although Africa has 60% of the world’s best solar potential, only 3.3% of its energy mix comes from renewables, reflecting a vast untapped opportunity.
Beyond emissions, air pollution has become a major health crisis. In 2019 alone, 1.1 million deaths in Africa were linked to air pollution—making it a more deadly risk than HIV/AIDS and malaria combined. African cities rank among the worst globally for PM₂.₅ pollution, with major sources including vehicle emissions, industrial fumes, charcoal cooking, open waste burning, and desert dust. The economic toll is staggering, with air pollution costing Africa 3.8% of its GDP ($114 billion) annually in lost productivity and healthcare expenses.
Africa’s land use and agriculture also contribute significantly to its climate footprint. The Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sector is responsible for 56% of Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions, mainly due to deforestation, livestock farming, and unsustainable agricultural practices. The continent loses 1–2 million hectares of forest every year, particularly in West and Central Africa, worsening desertification that now affects 45% of the land. Climate-induced droughts, like the 2020–2022 East African drought that pushed 20 million people into food insecurity, are making farming increasingly unviable. Overall, Africa’s agricultural productivity growth has declined by 30% since 1961, threatening food security and economic stability.
Climate justice remains a major issue, as Africa suffers from the impacts of global warming despite being the least responsible for it. The continent is losing 3–5% of its GDP annually due to climate-related disasters. Rising sea levels threaten major coastal cities like Lagos, Alexandria, and Mombasa, requiring billions in adaptation infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Africa receives only 20% of global adaptation finance ($11–13 billion per year), far below its needs of $140–300 billion per year.
One of the most promising solutions is carbon markets, which offer African nations a way to finance climate action. The Africa Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI) aims to scale up carbon credit production to 300 million credits per year by 2030, potentially unlocking $6 billion in revenue and creating 30 million jobs.
To secure a sustainable and climate-resilient future, Africa must take bold steps across multiple sectors. Transitioning to renewable energy is important, requiring policies that encourage solar, wind, and hydro expansion while gradually phasing out fossil fuel dependency. Improving air quality and sustainable transport through clean fuel regulations, electric vehicle incentives, and investments in public transit can significantly reduce emissions and health risks. Additionally, protecting ecosystems and scaling up climate-smart agriculture—such as sustainable land use, reforestation, and better water management—can mitigate environmental degradation. A crucial aspect of climate action is securing climate finance. Africa needs at least $50 billion per year to fund adaptation projects, build resilient infrastructure, and support vulnerable communities. Investments in climate-proofed roads, water infrastructure, disaster early warning systems, and green urban planning can help African cities adapt to extreme weather. Africa can lead the way in low-carbon development while ensuring economic prosperity, climate resilience, and environmental justice for future generations.
