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 (coal, oil, and natural gas), as well as large-scale commercial agriculture and deforestation, are responsible for the release of these greenhouse gases. [1] [2] The country's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is very minimal.
The African continent contributes 2%-3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. Zimbabwe makes up less than 0.1% of these emissions. Despite its minimal contribution, all African countries have submitted plans to reduce their emissions. [3] [4] [5] In 2015, Zimbabwe committed to reducing its emissions by 33% by the year 2030. However, in 2021, it revised its target to a more ambitious 40% reduction by 2030 across all sectors. This significant improvement demonstrates Zimbabwe's dedication to reducing emissions from all emitting sectors. [3] [6] [7] Fossil CO2 emissions in Zimbabwe totaled 10,062,628 tons in 2016. This represented a decrease of -4.17% compared to the previous year, amounting to -437,903 tons less than the 2015 emissions of 10,500,531 tons. The CO2 emissions per capita in Zimbabwe were 0.70 tons per person in 2016, based on a population of 14,452,704. This signifies a decrease of -0.05 from the previous year's figure of 0.74 CO2 tons per person, reflecting a change of -6.1% in CO2 emissions per capita. [3]
Year | Fossil CO2 Emissions (tons) | CO2 emisions change | CO2 emissions per capita | Population | Pop. the of World's CO2 emissions | Share of World's CO2 emissions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2016 | 10,062,628 | -4.17% | 0.70 | 14,452,704 | 2.10 % | 0.03% |
2015 | 10,500,531 | -2.38% | 0.74 | 14,154,937 | 2.16 % | 0.03% |
2014 | 10,756,516 | -1.11% | 0.78 | 13,855,753 | 2.22 % | 0.03% |
2013 | 10,877,592 | 1.54% | 0.80 | 13,555,422 | 2.19 % | 0.03% |
2012 | 10,712,268 | 3.00% | 0.81 | 13,265,331 | 1.84 % | 0.03% |
2011 | 10,400,034 | 9.11% | 0.80 | 13,025,785 | 1.45 % | 0.03% |
2010 | 9,531,494 | 10.93% | 0.74 | 12,839,771 | 1.26 % | 0.03% |
2009 | 8,592,521 | 8.62% | 0.68 | 12,679,810 | 1.03 % | 0.02% |
2008 | 7,910,492 | -22.95% | 0.63 | 12,550,347 | 0.80 % | 0.02% |
2007 | 10,266,621 | -2.20% | 0.82 | 12,450,568 | 0.97 % | 0.03% |
2006 | 10,497,312 | -7.84% | 0.85 | 12,330,490 | 0.86 % | 0.03% |
2005 | 11,390,701 | 8.68% | 0.93 | 12,224,753 | 0.53 % | 0.03% |
2004 | 10,480,912 | -6.81% | 0.86 | 12,160,881 | 0.70 % | 0.03% |
2003 | 11,246,961 | -12.26% | 0.93 | 12,075,828 | 0.76 % | 0.03% |
2002 | 12,819,236 | -6.29% | 1.07 | 11,984,644 | 0.62 % | 0.04% |
2001 | 13,680,092 | -2.63% | 1.15 | 11,910,978 | 0.64 % | 0.04% |
2000 | 14,049,334 | -15.44% | 1.19 | 11,834,676 | 1.01 % | 0.04% |
1999 | 16,614,928 | 12.83% | 1.42 | 11,716,454 | 1.46 % | 0.05% |
1998 | 14,725,785 | 1.44% | 1.28 | 11,548,364 | 1.64 % | 0.04% |
1997 | 14,516,181 | -6.15% | 1.28 | 11,362,401 | 1.65 % | 0.04% |
1996 | 15,468,174 | -3.66% | 1.38 | 11,178,171 | 1.67 % | 0.04% |
1995 | 16,055,450 | -1.51% | 1.46 | 10,994,041 | 1.25 % | 0.04% |
1994 | 16,300,973 | -6.36% | 1.50 | 10,858,594 | 0.59 % | 0.05% |
1993 | 17,407,420 | -8.32% | 1.61 | 10,794,918 | 1.44 % | 0.05% |
1992 | 18,988,185 | 0.60% | 1.78 | 10,641,501 | 2.54 % | 0.05% |
1991 | 18,875,286 | 10.14% | 1.82 | 10,377,815 | 2.61 % | 0.05% |
1990 | 17,138,197 | 12.24% | 1.69 | 10,113,893 | 2.72 % | 0.05% |
1989 | 15,268,803 | 1.35% | 1.55 | 9,846,346 | 2.90 % | 0.04% |
1988 | 15,065,510 | -3.32% | 1.57 | 9,568,739 | 3.14 % | 0.04% |
1987 | 15,582,386 | 27.76% | 1.68 | 9,277,488 | 3.28 % | 0.04% |
1986 | 12,196,857 | 14.81% | 1.36 | 8,983,044 | 3.37 % | 0.03% |
1985 | 10,623,667 | 15.65% | 1.22 | 8,690,515 | 3.48 % | 0.03% |
1984 | 9,186,051 | 5.19% | 1.09 | 8,398,567 | 3.60 % | 0.03% |
1983 | 8,732,786 | -0.74% | 1.08 | 8,106,356 | 3.88 % | 0.02% |
1982 | 8,798,266 | -4.08% | 1.13 | 7,803,855 | 3.96 % | 0.02% |
1981 | 9,172,977 | -4.33% | 1.22 | 7,506,526 | 6.48 % | 0.03% |
1980 | 9,588,387 | 6.84% | 1.36 | 7,049,926 | 5.92 % | 0.03% |
1979 | 8,974,917 | 3.13% | 1.35 | 6,655,833 | 1.63 % | 0.03% |
1978 | 8,702,623 | -3.81% | 1.33 | 6,549,349 | 1.49 % | 0.02% |
1977 | 9,047,336 | -9.64% | 1.40 | 6,453,044 | 2.62 % | 0.03% |
1976 | 10,012,682 | 10.64% | 1.59 | 6,288,387 | 3.14 % | 0.03% |
1975 | 9,049,740 | -11.82% | 1.48 | 6,097,083 | 3.28 % | 0.03% |
1974 | 10,262,447 | -2.93% | 1.74 | 5,903,530 | 3.34 % | 0.03% |
1973 | 10,571,871 | 15.84% | 1.85 | 5,712,712 | 3.25 % | 0.03% |
1972 | 9,125,921 | -4.69% | 1.65 | 5,532,842 | 3.16 % | 0.03% |
1971 | 9,575,243 | -0.55% | 1.79 | 5,363,423 | 3.08 % | 0.03% |
The mean annual temperature has been increasing at a rate of approximately 0.01 to 0.02 degrees Celsius per year from 1950 to 2002. According to the Zimbabwe Meteorological Service, minimum daily temperatures have risen by about 2.6 degrees Celsius over the past century, while maximum daily temperatures have increased by 2 degrees Celsius during the same period. Furthermore, there has been a decrease in cold days and nights and an increase in hot days. These changes align with the overall warming trend, with more hot days and nights and fewer cold days and nights observed in recent decades. [12]
Zimbabwe relies mostly on surface water resources, with limited availability of groundwater resources. The country has a significant number of dams, including large ones, with a total capacity of 99,930 m3. However, Zimbabwe's water resources are projected to be severely impacted by climate change. Rainfall simulations in various catchment areas have shown a decrease in precipitation and an increase in evaporation, leading to a projected 50% decrease in runoff by 2075. The Runde and Mzingwane catchments, in particular, are anticipated to face the largest decline in average rainfall. Additionally, wetlands and aquifers' recharge rates are expected to be reduced, impacting water availability for irrigation farming. Furthermore, the demand for water for various purposes is projected to grow due to population, urbanization, industry, and evaporation increases. According to the World Bank, climate change will result in a 38% decline in national per capita water availability by 2050, potentially forcing Zimbabwe's inhabitants to depend more on groundwater sources. [13] Climate change affects water availability and quality, leading to challenges in securing a reliable water supply. [14]
Extreme Weather Events. Climate change in Zimbabwe has increased extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and storms. These events disrupt ecosystems, harm crops, and contribute to soil erosion. [15] Biodiversity Loss. The changes in temperature and precipitation patterns caused by climate change can impact the dispersal and survival of plant and animal species, leading to a decline in biodiversity in Zimbabwe's ecosystems. [16] [17] Zimbabwe's diverse ecosystems face threats from climate change, including loss of biodiversity, habitat destruction, and changes in vegetation. [3]
Climate change impacts people in Zimbabwe through increased health risks, food insecurity, and displacement due to extreme weather events. [3] Tropical storm Ana struck the country in January 2022, resulting in flash floods in eastern Zimbabwe. The storm caused significant damage to bridges, schools, and roads, affecting 812 households and 51 schools. As a result, over 3,000 households were displaced, with the Manicaland province being the hardest hit. [18] Mashonaland Central and the Midlands experienced severe weather conditions from January 7 to January 11, 2023. There were six fatalities reported during this period. One person died due to flooding in Gwanda, Matabeleland South, while another fatality occurred in Mutasa, Manicaland Province. In Mazowe, Mashonaland Central province, strong winds caused significant damage, resulting in two casualties. Additionally, two individuals lost their lives due to lightning strikes in Chivi, Masvingo Province. [18] [19] [15]
According to the Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe, Beitbridge, Matabeleland South Province recorded 109 mm of rainfall in 24 hours up to January 7. Similarly, Buhera, Manicaland Province experienced heavy rain, with 91 mm recorded within 24 hours up to January 11. In late January, the capital city, Harare, and its surroundings experienced heavy rainfall. [20] The Meteorological Services Department reported that 123 mm of rain fell in 24 hours up to January 22. This intense rainfall led to flooding in several parts of Harare and its neighboring areas, resulting in the displacement of numerous households. In Budiriro, a southwestern suburb of Harare, the Marimba River burst its banks, causing damage to or destruction of 43 houses. Similarly, Chitungwiza in Mashonaland West experienced floods that damaged 57 houses and destroyed two others. [19] [20] [21]
The country's economy is affected by climate change, with increased costs for disaster response and reduced agricultural productivity. [3]
Zimbabwe's agriculture and livestock sectors face challenges from changing climate conditions, including reduced crop yields, water scarcity, and impacts on livestock production. [22] Climate change will result in the emergence of new pests, which will have varying effects in different agricultural ecological zones (AEZs). Several climate change-related factors will contribute to increased crop loss, including reduced resistance in host plants, decreased efficacy of pesticides, and the introduction of invasive pest species. [13] Changes in precipitation and temperature will lead to higher infestation rates of pests and more frequent disease outbreaks, consequently reducing crop and animal productivity and requiring increased expenditures on pesticides, herbicides, and veterinary drugs. A shift in pest distribution is one of the commonly observed abiotic responses to climate change. [13] Agriculture, a critical sector of Zimbabwe's economy, is highly vulnerable to climate change. Altered climatic conditions can cause shifts in planting seasons, reduced crop yields, and water scarcity, all of which have significant effects on food security. [15] [23]
Marketing Years | Area (1,000 Ha) | Yield (MT/Ha) | Production (1,000 MT) |
---|---|---|---|
2021/22 | 1,952 | 1.39 | 2,717 |
2022/23 | 1,901 | 0.76 | 2,717 |
2023/24 (estimate) | 1,800 | 0.84 | 1,520 |
Sources: Zimbabwean Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement and Post estimates.
Corn Market Year Begins Zimbabwe | 2021/2022 | 2022/2023 | 2023/2024 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
May 2021 | May 2022 | May 2023 | ||||
USDA Official | New Post | USDA Official | New Post | USDA Official | New Post | |
Area Harvested (1000 HA) | 1952 | 1952 | 1901 | 1901 | 1800 | 1800 |
Beginning Stocks(1000 MT) | 94 | 94 | 711 | 715 | 414 | 235 |
Production (1000 MT) | 2717 | 2717 | 1453 | 1453 | 1500 | 1520 |
MY Imports(1000 MT) | 50 | 58 | 400 | 220 | 350 | 900 |
TY Imports(1000 MT) | 400 | 400 | 200 | 200 | 250 | 500 |
TY Imp. from U.S. (1000 MT) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total Supply (1000 MT) | 2861 | 2869 | 2564 | 2388 | 2264 | 2655 |
MY Exports(1000 MT) | 0 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
TY Exports(1000 MT) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Feed and Residual (1000 MT) | 350 | 350 | 350 | 350 | 200 | 400 |
FSI Consumption (1000 MT) | 1800 | 1800 | 1800 | 1800 | 1800 | 1800 |
Total Consumption (1000 MT) | 2150 | 2150 | 2150 | 2150 | 2000 | 2200 |
Ending Stocks(1000 MT) | 711 | 715 | 414 | 235 | 264 | 455 |
Total Distribution (1000 MT) | 2861 | 2869 | 2564 | 2388 | 2264 | 2655 |
Yield (MT/HA) | 1.39 | 1.39 | 0.76 | 0.76 | 0.83 | 0.84 |
Extreme weather events, driven by climate change, disrupt supply chains by damaging transportation infrastructure and causing delays in the delivery of raw materials and components. This can result in production slowdowns and increased costs for manufacturers. [25] [26] Rising temperatures have a negative impact on worker productivity in manufacturing facilities. Heat stress and discomfort can lead to decreased efficiency and potential health issues for employees, affecting overall production. [27] Manufacturers often rely on energy-intensive processes. Climate change mitigation efforts, such as implementing carbon pricing or regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, can result in higher energy costs, which can impact the profitability of manufacturing operations. Governments worldwide are implementing stricter environmental regulations to address climate change. Manufacturers may encounter challe [28] nges and costs associated with complying with these new requirements. [3]
Direct and indirect health impacts result from climate change, including changes in disease patterns, heat-related illnesses, and impacts on healthcare infrastructure. [14] Rising temperatures in Zimbabwe, attributed to climate change, have led to an increased incidence of heat-related illnesses. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are becoming more common, especially in urban areas. [29] Climate change has expanded the range of disease vectors, such as mosquitoes, contributing to a higher prevalence of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever. These diseases pose a significant health risk. Altered precipitation patterns and reduced access to clean water sources have elevated the risk of waterborne diseases, including cholera and typhoid. [30] Climate change-induced disruptions in agriculture and food production can result in food insecurity and malnutrition, affecting the health and nutrition of the population, particularly vulnerable groups. [30] [28]
Efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change in Zimbabwe include the promotion of climate-smart agriculture, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving water resource management. [31] Zimbabwe is actively implementing strategies to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Most smallholder farmers rely on food aid and utilize drought-resistant crops such as sorghum. They employ various strategies to cope with climate change, such as using short-seasoned varieties, engaging in barter trade, practicing multiple cropping, diversifying their livelihoods, implementing dry planting, and adopting early planting methods in a practice called Ethno-Science Adaptive Measures. These adaptation strategies are sustainable and preferred by smallholder farmers due to their cost-effectiveness and reliance on Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). [17]
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activities intensify the greenhouse effect. This contributes to climate change. Carbon dioxide, from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, is one of the most important factors in causing climate change. The largest emitters are China followed by the United States. The United States has higher emissions per capita. The main producers fueling the emissions globally are large oil and gas companies. Emissions from human activities have increased atmospheric carbon dioxide by about 50% over pre-industrial levels. The growing levels of emissions have varied, but have been consistent among all greenhouse gases. Emissions in the 2010s averaged 56 billion tons a year, higher than any decade before. Total cumulative emissions from 1870 to 2022 were 703 GtC, of which 484±20 GtC from fossil fuels and industry, and 219±60 GtC from land use change. Land-use change, such as deforestation, caused about 31% of cumulative emissions over 1870–2022, coal 32%, oil 24%, and gas 10%.
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 serious effects on Russia's climate, including average temperatures and precipitation, as well as permafrost melting, more frequent wildfires, flooding and heatwaves. Changes may affect inland flash floods, more frequent coastal flooding and increased erosion reduced snow cover and glacier melting, and may ultimately lead to species losses and changes in ecosystem functioning.
Climate change has resulted in an increase in temperature of 2.3 °C (4.14 °F) (2022) in Europe compared to pre-industrial levels. Europe is the fastest warming continent in the world. Europe's climate is getting warmer due to anthropogenic activity. According to international climate experts, global temperature rise should not exceed 2 °C to prevent the most dangerous consequences of climate change; without reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, this could happen before 2050. Climate change has implications for all regions of Europe, with the extent and nature of impacts varying across the continent.
There are numerous effects of climate change on agriculture, many of which are making it harder for agricultural activities to provide global food security. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns often result in lower crop yields due to water scarcity caused by drought, heat waves and flooding. These effects of climate change can also increase the risk of several regions suffering simultaneous crop failures. Currently this risk is regarded as rare but if these simultaneous crop failures did happen they would have significant consequences for the global food supply. Many pests and plant diseases are also expected to either become more prevalent or to spread to new regions. The world's livestock are also expected to be affected by many of the same issues, from greater heat stress to animal feed shortfalls and the spread of parasites and vector-borne diseases.
In France, climate change has caused some the greatest annual temperature increases registered in any country in Europe. The 2019 heat wave saw record temperatures of 46.0 °C. Heat waves and other extreme weather events are expected to increase with continued climate change. Other expected environmental impacts include increased floods due to both sea level rise and increased glacier melt. These environmental changes will lead to shifts in ecosystems and affect local organisms. Climate change will also cause economic losses in France, particularly in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
Climate change is having a considerable impact in Malaysia. Increasing temperatures are likely to greatly increase the number of heatwaves occurring annually. Variations in precipitation may increase the frequency of droughts and floods in various local areas. Sea level rise may inundate some coastal areas. These impacts are expected to have numerous environmental and socioeconomic effects, exacerbating existing environmental issues and reinforcing inequality.
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 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.
Vietnam is among the most affected countries by global climate change. A large number of studies show that Vietnam is experiencing climate change and will be severely negatively affected in coming decades. These negative effects include sea level rise, salinity intrusion and other hydrological problems like floods, river mouth evolution and sedimentation. Natural hazards such as cold waves, storm surges will increase in frequency, with negative effects on the country's development, infrastructure and economy.
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.
Due to its geographical and natural diversity, Indonesia is one of the countries most susceptible to the impacts of climate change. This is supported by the fact that Jakarta has been listed as the world's most vulnerable city, regarding climate change. It is also a major contributor as of the countries that has contributed most to greenhouse gas emissions due to its high rate of deforestation and reliance on coal power.
The amount of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture is significant: The agriculture, forestry and land use sectors contribute between 13% and 21% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions come from direct greenhouse gas emissions. And from indirect emissions. With regards to direct emissions, nitrous oxide and methane makeup over half of total greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. Indirect emissions on the other hand come from the conversion of non-agricultural land such as forests into agricultural land. Furthermore, there is also fossil fuel consumption for transport and fertilizer production. For example, the manufacture and use of nitrogen fertilizer contributes around 5% of all global greenhouse gas emissions. Livestock farming is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, livestock farming is affected by climate change.
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 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.
Climate change may have a range of impacts in the Republic of Ireland. Increasing temperatures may change weather patterns, with the potential for increased heatwaves, rainfall and storm events, with subsequent impacts on people through flooding Climate change has been assessed to be the single biggest threat to Ireland, according to the head of the Defence Forces of Ireland, Mark Mellett.
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 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.
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.
Medium-range estimates of Arctic carbon emissions could result from moderate climate emission mitigation policies that keep global warming below 3°C (e.g., RCP4.5). This global warming level most closely matches country emissions reduction pledges made for the Paris Climate Agreement...
"The IPCC doesn't make projections about which of these scenarios is more likely, but other researchers and modellers can. The Australian Academy of Science, for instance, released a report last year stating that our current emissions trajectory had us headed for a 3°C warmer world, roughly in line with the middle scenario. Climate Action Tracker predicts 2.5 to 2.9°C of warming based on current policies and action, with pledges and government agreements taking this to 2.1°C.
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