The Crisis the World Isn't Ready For: Africa's Heatwave and What It Means For Us All

In the heart of South Sudan, Amina's heart races. School's closed because the heat is just too much. There's no water to cool her down, and it feels like the sun will never let up. Sweat drips from her father's face as he looks at another failed crop.

“How will we survive this?” he asks quietly.

Africa is grappling with an unprecedented heatwave. News outlets report that in July 2023, Tunisia and Algeria sweltered under a brutal heatwave, with Tunis reaching a scorching 49°C (120°F) and Algiers hitting a record 49.2°C (120.5°F). These aren't isolated incidents – reports indicate that nations like South Africa, Gabon, Kenya, and South Sudan have all seen thermometers climb to unprecedented highs, raising concerns about the continent's future.

联合国儿童基金会 & 联合国开发计划署 – this is a humanitarian crisis unfolding, and children are at the forefront.

Thousands of kilometres away in Nigeria, Aisha feels the market slow down beneath the blazing sun. Her vegetable stall wilts quickly in the heat, and customers are scarce. She dreams of a shaded space to sell in, with a small fridge.

Back home, there is power outage, leaving her kids restless and sweating all-night. Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria , reliable energy is a lifeline when the heat becomes extreme.

In recent times, the World Meteorological Organization has issued a dire warning: Africa is experiencing an escalating heat crisis. February 2024 was the second warmest on record for the continent, with Southern African nations like Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe facing staggering temperatures 4-5 degrees Celsius above average. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for climate action.

This Isn't Fair, and It's Only Going to Get Worse

These stories aren't unusual. Across Africa, heatwaves are hurting people's lives, and it's all because of a climate crisis the continent did little to create.

Homes are getting hotter, it's harder to make a living, and kids' futures are at risk.

From Worry to Action: What Needs to Change

But here's the thing – it doesn't have to be this way. There are solutions, and we need to take action right now. Here's a roadmap to alleviate this dire situation:

• Cooling Centres and Help: Local NGOs like the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and The Wellbeing Foundation Africa are leading efforts to set up natural cooling centres by encouraging tree planting. We urge state governments to support these initiatives. Spreading the word about how to stay safe in the heat is vital, with support from organizations like World Health Organization .
• Protecting Those Hit Hardest: Giving farmers new seeds suited for the heat is key, with the expertise of agricultural bodies like the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) . Providing safety nets for those whose jobs are ruined by hot days is a priority.
• Building for the Future: Our Cities, States and Regional Governments need to revisit and revise relevant building codes – and partner with organizations like the Nigerian Institute of Architects , and several others - to share best practices and design for a hotter climate. Similarly, United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) can guide and possibly finance these adaptation efforts.
• Climate Justice: The countries who got rich by polluting our planet needs to step up their sustainability initiatives. They owe Africa (and the rest of the world), help to adapt and use greener technology. Let's hold the biggest polluters accountable at COP29 Azerbaijan
• Targeted Investment in Infrastructure: Investment in resilient power grids, water conservation, and heat-resistant infrastructure isn't a luxury, it's survival. Development banks such as African Development Bank and governments represented at the African Union must prioritize funding these projects.
• Empowering Local Communities: Supporting community-led heat preparedness plans is crucial. This includes training, early warning systems, and providing resources for the most vulnerable neighborhoods. This is where organisations such as United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) , 红十字会与红新月会国际联合会 and The Early Warnings For All Action Plan for Africa comes in.
• Global Collaboration: Sharing best practices, technology, and funding for heat adaptation cannot wait. International platforms must facilitate knowledge transfer and cooperation between nations facing similar challenges. The World Bank Treasury (IBRD ? IDA) and C40 Cities can make significant contributions in this regard.

It's About Amina and Aisha, and Millions More

This isn't just about feeling uncomfortable – lives are on the line.

Imagine a future where Amina becomes a doctor, and Aisha's business booms. That future is possible, but we need policies that care, that use the best science, and put the most vulnerable people first.

The heatwave is a wake-up call.

Let's answer it the right way – by building a sustainable, fairer, cooler world for everyone.