The State of the Climate in Africa 2023 report, published by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), provides a comprehensive overview of climate trends and extreme weather events across the African continent for the year 2023. The report highlights that 2023 was one of the three warmest years on record for Africa, with significant temperature anomalies observed across various regions, including North Africa and the Horn of Africa. The continent experienced extreme climate events such as severe droughts in Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria, and catastrophic flooding in Libya and East Africa, resulting in substantial loss of life and economic damage. The report underscores the continued warming trend in Africa, which is occurring at a rate slightly faster than the global average. The findings emphasize the critical need for investment in climate adaptation and resilience, particularly in the areas of early warning systems and meteorological services. The WMO also calls attention to the disproportionate impact of climate change on African economies and societies, where climate-related hazards cause significant GDP losses annually. The report concludes by urging for enhanced international cooperation and financial support to bolster Africa’s capacity to respond to the escalating climate crisis.
Authors
- Published in
- Switzerland
