Eswatini also known as Swaziland , a landlocked nation located in Southern Africa, is characterized by a subtropical climate that features wet and hot summers as well as cold and dry winters. [1] The country has expressed concern regarding the impact of climate change on its existing social challenges, which include but are not limited to issues such as poverty, a high prevalence of HIV, and food insecurity. Furthermore, it is anticipated that climate change will significantly impede the country's development progress, by Vision 2022. [1]
The GHG mitigation assessment indicates that Eswatini emitted 4.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (equivalent to CO2) in the year 2017. The primary contributors to these emissions were the energy sector, as well as agriculture, forestry, and land use, accounting for 39% and 56% of the total emissions, respectively. Industrial processes and waste were also significant contributors. [2]
Year | Fossil CO2 Emissions ( tons ) | CO2 emisions change | CO2 emissions per capita | Population | Pop . change | Share of World's CO2 emissions |
2016 | 657,572 | 2.61% | 0.58 | 1,142,524 | 0.76% | 0.00% |
2015 | 640,832 | 0.82% | 0.57 | 1,133,936 | 0.72% | 0.00% |
2014 | 635,623 | 3.98% | 0.56 | 1,125,865 | 0.67% | 0.00% |
2013 | 611,291 | 0.19% | 0.55 | 1,118,319 | 0.62% | 0.00% |
2012 | 610,106 | 0.59% | 0.55 | 1,111,444 | 0.55% | 0.00% |
2011 | 606,518 | 4.59% | 0.55 | 1,105,371 | 0.50% | 0.00% |
2010 | 579,907 | 6.57% | 0.53 | 1,099,920 | 0.46% | 0.00% |
2009 | 544,172 | 1.08% | 0.5 | 1,094,886 | 0.46% | 0.00% |
2008 | 538,345 | 3.46% | 0.49 | 1,089,870 | 0.54% | 0.00% |
2007 | 520,331 | 5.05% | 0.48 | 1,084,008 | 0.58% | 0.00% |
2006 | 495,335 | 7.54% | 0.46 | 1,077,735 | 0.55% | 0.00% |
2005 | 460,612 | 4.71% | 0.43 | 1,071,886 | 0.57% | 0.00% |
2004 | 439,907 | 1.83% | 0.41 | 1,065,764 | 0.66% | 0.00% |
2003 | 431,987 | 3.10% | 0.41 | 1,058,797 | 0.76% | 0.00% |
2002 | 418,997 | 0.84% | 0.4 | 1,050,809 | 0.90% | 0.00% |
2001 | 415,511 | 11.85% | 0.4 | 1,041,396 | 1.06% | 0.00% |
2000 | 371,474 | 55.86% | 0.36 | 1,030,496 | 1.19% | 0.00% |
1999 | 238,336 | 27.56% | 0.23 | 1,018,370 | 1.31% | 0.00% |
1998 | 186,841 | 0.69% | 0.19 | 1,005,158 | 1.46% | 0.00% |
1997 | 185,556 | 13.03% | 0.19 | 990,734 | 1.76% | 0.00% |
1996 | 164,161 | -3.18% | 0.17 | 973,587 | 2.10% | 0.00% |
1995 | 169,559 | 8.43% | 0.18 | 953,573 | -0.02% | 0.00% |
1994 | 156,370 | -15.36% | 0.16 | 953,737 | 0.03% | 0.00% |
1993 | 184,738 | -5.71% | 0.19 | 953,451 | 3.06% | 0.00% |
1992 | 195,934 | -20.53% | 0.21 | 925,165 | 3.98% | 0.00% |
1991 | 246,535 | -0.70% | 0.28 | 889,712 | 4.18% | 0.00% |
1990 | 248,264 | -11.05% | 0.29 | 854,011 | 3.40% | 0.00% |
1989 | 279,096 | -13.93% | 0.34 | 825,952 | 3.97% | 0.00% |
1988 | 324,267 | -31.62% | 0.41 | 794,434 | 4.71% | 0.00% |
1987 | 474,182 | 48.83% | 0.63 | 758,669 | 3.91% | 0.00% |
1986 | 318,604 | -3.36% | 0.44 | 730,150 | 3.95% | 0.00% |
1985 | 329,670 | 38.99% | 0.47 | 702,400 | 3.71% | 0.00% |
1984 | 237,182 | -3.55% | 0.35 | 677,303 | 3.33% | 0.00% |
1983 | 245,900 | -35.26% | 0.38 | 655,505 | 3.32% | 0.00% |
1982 | 379,828 | -25.89% | 0.6 | 634,439 | 2.96% | 0.00% |
1981 | 512,539 | -3.37% | 0.83 | 616,210 | 2.95% | 0.00% |
1980 | 530,394 | -21.85% | 0.89 | 598,564 | 3.36% | 0.00% |
1979 | 678,731 | 13.96% | 1.17 | 579,091 | 3.37% | 0.00% |
1978 | 595,578 | 39.48% | 1.06 | 560,236 | 3.30% | 0.00% |
1979 | 678,731 | 13.96% | 1.17 | 579,091 | 3.37 % | 0.00% |
1980 | 530,394 | -21.85% | 0.89 | 598,564 | 3.36% | 0.00% |
1979 | 678,731 | 13.96% | 1.17 | 579,091 | 3.37% | 0.00% |
1978 | 595,578 | 39.48% | 1.06 | 560,236 | 3.30% | 0.00% |
1977 | 426,992 | 8.09% | 0.79 | 542,328 | 3.21% | 0.00% |
1976 | 395,028 | -19.82% | 0.75 | 525,457 | 3.12% | 0.00% |
1975 | 492,688 | -7.55% | 0.97 | 509,535 | 3.01% | 0.00% |
1974 | 532,912 | 8.70% | 1.08 | 494,624 | 2.90% | 0.00% |
1973 | 490,278 | 26.00% | 1.02 | 480,668 | 2.81% | 0.00% |
1972 | 389,114 | -13.54% | 0.83 | 467,512 | 2.77% | 0.00% |
1971 | 450,072 | 0.04% | 0.99 | 454,913 | 2.72% | 0.00% |
The mean annual rainfall in Swaziland varies from approximately 1,500 mm in the northern Highveld to 500 mm in the southern lowland. The rainiest periods occur from November to February, coinciding with the typically hottest time of the year. The mean monthly temperature ranges from 15 °C to 23.4 °C. During this period, the mean monthly precipitation ranges from 11.9 mm in June to 143.3 mm in January. As a result, the country experiences an average annual rainfall of over 800 mm, based on the latest climatology from 1991-2020. [1]
Swaziland is situated in the summer rainfall region of the subcontinent, where approximately 80% of the precipitation occurs during the summer months, specifically from October to March. The climate also experiences significant temperature and precipitation variations from west to east due to an altitude decrease of around 4,000 feet over a distance of about 80 kilometers. [4]
Climate change is expected to adversely affect Swaziland's health sector. Increased temperatures may lead to a rise in vector-borne diseases, posing a significant threat. [5] [6] [7]
Severe droughts have rendered 25% of the population in Swaziland vulnerable, facing challenges of food and water insecurity. These consequences are linked to climate change impacts. [1]
Climate change is anticipated to cause overall warming and drying in Swaziland, leading to more frequent and intense droughts and floods. Adaptation initiatives focus on managing water resources in response to these changes. [8]
Climate change has been attributed to the decline in food production in Swaziland. Visible effects underscore the reality and urgency of addressing climate change impacts. [4]
The government of Swaziland has taken several steps to mitigate and adapt to climate change. These include the development of a National Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, which outlines the country's vision and objectives for climate change adaptation and mitigation. The country has also implemented a number of projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy, including the installation of solar panels on public buildings and the promotion of energy-efficient lighting. [9]
Climate change is an urgent and significant issue affecting Japan. In recent years, the country has observed notable changes in its climate patterns, with rising temperatures serving as a prominent indicator of this phenomenon. As an archipelago situated in northeastern Asia, Japan is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to its diverse geography and exposure to various weather systems. The nation experiences a broad range of climates, spanning from the frigid winters of Hokkaido to the subtropical climates of Okinawa. Changes in temperature patterns have the potential to disrupt ecosystems, impact agricultural productivity, modify water resources, and pose significant challenges to infrastructure and human settlements.
Climate change has led to extreme weather events in South Korea that affects: social, economy, industry, culture, and many other sectors. South Korea is experiencing changes in climate parameters. Such parameters include annual temperature, rainfall amounts, and precipitation.
Climate change in Pakistan is a major issue for the country. Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate change. As with the changing climate in South Asia as a whole, the climate of Pakistan has changed over the past several decades, with significant impacts on the environment and people. In addition to increased heat, drought and extreme weather in parts of the country, the melting of glaciers in the Himalayas has impacted some of the important rivers of Pakistan. Between 1999 and 2018, Pakistan ranked 5th in the countries affected by extreme weather caused by climate change. Pakistan is prone to a range of natural disasters, including cyclones, floods, drought, intense rainfall, and earthquakes. According to scientific research, climate change played a substantial role in the devastating floods of 2022, which had a direct impact on over 30 million people in Pakistan, resulting in the loss of lives, damage to public infrastructure, and displacement from homes. Climate change poses a significant menace to Pakistan's economy and security.
Climate change in Algeria has wide-reaching effects on the country. Algeria was not a significant contributor to climate change, but, like other countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, is expected to be among the most affected by climate change impacts. Because a large part of the country is in already hot and arid geographies, including part of the Sahara, already strong heat and water resource access challenges are expected to get worse. As early as 2014, scientists were attributing extreme heat waves to climate change in Algeria. Algeria was ranked 46th of countries in the 2020 Climate Change Performance Index.
Climate change in Ghana is impacting the people in Ghana in several ways as the country sits at the intersection of three hydro-climatic zones. Changes in rainfall, weather conditions and sea-level rise will affect the salinity of coastal waters. This is expected to negatively affect both farming and fisheries. Low precipitation, drought and wild fires are also some major effects associated with climate change in Ghana.
Climate change in Somalia refers to changes in the climate in Somalia and the subsequent response, adaption and mitigation strategies of the country. Climate models predict that the East Africa region is likely to experience both near-term alterations in climate such as warmer temperatures, changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme events, and decreased precipitation, as well as long-term shifts such as sea level rise.
Climate change in Senegal will have wide reaching impacts on many aspects of life in Senegal. Climate change will cause an increase in average temperatures over west Africa by between 1.5 and 4 °C by mid-century, relative to 1986–2005. Projections of rainfall indicate an overall decrease in rainfall and an increase in intense mega-storm events over the Sahel. The sea level is expected to rise faster in West Africa than the global average. Although Senegal is currently not a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, it is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change.
South Sudan is one of the five most vulnerable countries to climate change in the world. The country is facing the impacts of climate change, including droughts and flooding, which have indirect and interlinked implications for peace and security. Mean annual temperatures across South Sudan have increased by more than 0.4°C every decade in the past 30 years and are projected to increase between 1°C and 1.5°C by 2060, creating a warmer and drier climate. In the northeast, rainfall has decreased by 15–20%, but other regions experienced more frequent and severe floods.
Iran is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Iran contributes to about 1.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), and is ranked 8th in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) world wide and is ranked first in the MENA region due to its reliance on oil and natural gas. Climate change has led to reduced precipitation as well as increased temperatures, with Iran holding the hottest temperature recorded in Asia.
India was ranked seventh among the list of countries most affected by climate change in 2019. India emits about 3 gigatonnes (Gt) CO2eq of greenhouse gases each year; about two and a half tons per person, which is less than the world average. The country emits 7% of global emissions, despite having 17% of the world population. The climate change performance index of India ranks eighth among 63 countries which account for 92% of all GHG emissions in the year 2021.
Climate change in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) refers to changes in the climate of the MENA region and the subsequent response, adaption and mitigation strategies of countries in the region. In 2018, the MENA region emitted 3.2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide and produced 8.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) despite making up only 6% of the global population. These emissions are mostly from the energy sector, an integral component of many Middle Eastern and North African economies due to the extensive oil and natural gas reserves that are found within the region. The region of Middle East is one of the most vulnerable to climate change. The impacts include increase in drought conditions, aridity, heatwaves and sea level rise.
Climate change in South Africa is leading to increased temperatures and rainfall variability. Evidence shows that extreme weather events are becoming more prominent due to climate change. This is a critical concern for South Africans as climate change will affect the overall status and wellbeing of the country, for example with regards to water resources. Just like many other parts of the world, climate research showed that the real challenge in South Africa was more related to environmental issues rather than developmental ones. The most severe effect will be targeting the water supply, which has huge effects on the agriculture sector. Speedy environmental changes are resulting in clear effects on the community and environmental level in different ways and aspects, starting with air quality, to temperature and weather patterns, reaching out to food security and disease burden.
Climate change in Nigeria is evident from temperature increase, rainfall variability. It is also reflected in drought, desertification, rising sea levels, erosion, floods, thunderstorms, bush fires, landslides, land degradation, more frequent, extreme weather conditions and loss of biodiversity. All of which continues to negatively affect human and animal life and also the ecosystems in Nigeria. Although, depending on the location, regions experience climate change with significant higher temperatures during the dry seasons while rainfalls during rainy seasons help keep the temperature at milder levels. The effects of climate change prompted the World Meteorological Organization, in its 40th Executive Council 1988, to establish a new international scientific assessment panel to be called the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The 2007 IPCC's fourth and final Assessment Report (AR4) revealed that there is a considerable threat of climate change that requires urgent global attention. The report further attributed the present global warming to largely anthropogenic practices. The Earth is almost at a point of no return as it faces environmental threats which include atmospheric and marine pollution, global warming, ozone depletion, the dangers of pollution by nuclear and other hazardous substances, and the extinction of various wildlife species.
Israel, like many other countries in the Middle East and North Africa, experiences adverse effects from climate change. Annual and mean temperatures are increasing in Israel, with mean temperature expected to increase between 1.6 and 1.8 °C by 2100. There is a reduction in annual precipitation and delayed winter rains. Israel is already experiencing droughts and water shortages. Heatwaves are other natural hazards expected to increase with climate change.
Climate change in Botswana refers to changes in the climate in Botswana and the subsequent response, adaptation and mitigation strategies of the country. It is expected to lead to increased intensity of droughts and increased frequencies this is due to shorter rainy seasons and fewer rainy days. Due to fluctuation on climate and weather the country may sometimes experience heavy destructive rains.
Climate change impacts are occurring in Zimbabwe. Climate change is the result of the Earth's climate undergoing long-term changes due to the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and a hotter planet. Human activities, such as the use of fossil fuels, as well as large-scale commercial agriculture and deforestation, are responsible for the release of these greenhouse gases. The country's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is very minimal.
Climate change is the consequence of long-term alterations in the Earth's climate caused by the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). These gases can trap heat in the atmosphere, resulting in global warming and a heightened temperature on our planet. The activities carried out by humans, such as the utilization of fossil fuels, along with large-scale commercial agriculture and deforestation, are accountable for the release of these greenhouse gases. The escalating temperatures and escalating extreme heat conditions, uncertain and progressively unpredictable precipitation, and extreme weather provoke new challenges and exacerbate existing ones.
Lesotho is a country in southern Africa that is already experiencing the negative effects of climate change, including increased frequency of extreme weather, such as droughts, increased rates of soil erosion and desertification, and reduced soil fertility. Lesotho is a landlocked country that is particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate variability and changes in water and food security, as well as adverse conditions to health, human settlements, and the energy sector.
Malawi is a land-locked country in southeastern Africa situated along the southernmost arm of the East African Rift-Valley System between latitudes 9°22’ and 17°03’ south of the equator, and longitudes 33°40’ and 35°55’ east of the Greenwich meridian. It shares borders with Tanzania in the north and northeast, Mozambique in the southwest, south, and east, and Zambia in the west. Malawi is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change as the vast majority of Malawians rely on small-scale, rain-fed agriculture, making them highly dependent on weather patterns. Climate change increasingly exacerbates droughts, flooding, and inconsistent rainfall—contributing to food insecurity and threatening to derail progress toward Malawi's goal of self-reliance.
Eritrea, a small coastal nation situated along the Red Sea in the Horn of Africa, is one of the most vulnerable countries of the world to the adverse effects of climate change and increased climate variability has already been evidenced in the country.