By Wallace Mawire
Africa is warming at ~0.3°C per decade, faster than the global average of 0.2°C for the 1991 to 2023 period,according to a new report released by the lndia based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).
The report says in 2024, Africa recorded an average temperature anomaly of 0.87°C above the 1991 to 2020 baseline.
Mean annual warming is expected to exceed 2°C by the end of the century.
The report says some regions are reaching 3–6°C under high-emission scenarios according to the IPCC 5th Assessment report.
It is reported that by late 21st century, heat exposure could rise 12-fold with 10 to 30% more dangerous hot days and 6 to 20% greater intensity in West, Central, North and East Africa.
It is added that significant upward trends in night time land surface temperature across most regions of Africa between 2000 and 2014 increasing health risks are predicted.The CSE assessment brings out the heat hotspots in Lagos and Johannesburg.
It highlights growing vulnerability leading to heat-related illnesses, food insecurity, loss of labor productivity, and rising cooling needs. Urban heat island effects worsening discomfort are anticipated.
The massive dumping of old and second hand air conditioners that are more energy inefficient are reported to be worsening energy guzzling.
It is reported that old air conditioners consume two to three times more electricity than new models.
Household electricity demand is expected to more than double.
CSE says countries of Africa need Heat Management Strategies to reduce urban heat load through infrastructure development; expansion of green and blue spaces to cut urban heat; thermal comfort in buildings including affordable renewable-powered cooling innovation and stopping the dumping of old appliances.
