A basis for climate change adaptation in Africa: burdens ahead and policy options

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review and document some of the climate change impacts which may burden the African continent, and to suggest policy options for adaptation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a comprehensive review of published papers on climate change impacts and adaptation.FindingsIt has been documented that by 2050, the world will have to limit emissions of all greenhouse gases to the equivalent of 400 GT of carbon in order to stand a 75 per cent chance of avoiding more than 2°C of warming. This is practically impossible because there are not enough resources and technology to achieve that target. Even if all of the emissions are stopped in next few years, it will take the next 40 years for the world to follow its current trend before full recovery. Thus, climate will continue to change, its impacts will continue to increase and Africa is placed as the most vulnerable continent. The only best solution is that the vulnerable population should be first in line for support to adapt to climate change impacts. In such instances adaptation policy should recognise and support a wide range of options for building resilient and sustainable livelihoods, enhancing opportunities available for adaptation, without ignoring the need to address the existing developmental challenges.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper relies on secondary source of information.Practical implicationsThe paper is a valuable input towards the preparation of adaptation policy in developing countries.Originality/valueThis paper relied on review of secondary data (published articles) thus providing critical findings from a number of field studies.