Africa vulnerable to Climate Change, warns PACJA

The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) has warned African leaders of grave consequences of climate change if high rates of deforestation are not immediately stopped on the continent.

Samson Ogallah, the Program Manager of PACJA, says climate change will further decrease the supply of available fresh water, and a rapidly growing population will increase demand and land degradation.

“Recurring droughts, high rates of deforestation, agricultural expansions and high population growth will bring grave consequences on African Continent,” he warned.

The statements were made during a Post-2015 Development workshop dubbed ‘Integrating Population, Climate Change, Environment and Development in Kenya”.

Dr. Alice Odingo from the University of Nairobi warned that African people are more vulnerable to environmental change and shrinking natural resources such as food, water, energy, and services.

“Africa is facing poor health and inadequate reproductive health care, particularly for women and children. Increasing poverty and insecurity due to resource competition,” added.

Ms. Tianna Scozzaro, a Population and Climate Associate from Population Action International (PAI) discussed the severe impacts of climate change and how they are projected to impact different countries in different ways.

According to her, “there is low resilience to climate change, water scarcity, high percentage of women with an unmet need for family planning and individual women struggling to feed and care for their families in a changing climate”.

The workshop which was organized by PACJA in collaboration with PAI brought together a number of stake holders, CSOs, Kenya government and County government representatives.