President Akufo-Addo has expressed concerns with respect to the growing threat and impact of climate change in Africa, particularly on women and children.
According to him, he recognizes the urgency and responsibility for Africans to help address a crisis that knows no borders and spares no one. With this, he admitted that the climate crisis has brought the continent to a tipping point which must be tackled head-on.
“The repercussions of this global crisis are profound, impacting every part of our world, transcending every continent and threatening the very fabric of life as we know it. Climate change is not a distant threat or a future concern, it is here, and it is happening now. From the melting polar ice caps causing sea levels to surge, to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, we are witnessing the unmistakable signs of a climate in distress. I was in Rome a couple of weeks ago, and it is hotter there than in Tamale, for example…”
President Akufo-Addo
Speaking at the maiden edition of the Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC) today, August 2, 2023, on the theme: ‘Amplifying the voices of women and children in the climate crisis’, President Akufo–Addo indicated that the climate crisis is hitting Africa’s poorest the hardest. He explained that nine out of the ten most vulnerable countries are located in sub-Saharan Africa, and that in the Sahel region for example, the average temperature has risen above the benchmark of 1.5-degree Celsius, pre-industrial level.
“Droughts are more frequent, rainfall is more intense and less predictable, bringing vulnerable agricultural systems to dire situations. The consequent effects of the climate crisis will not be limited to decreased food security, they will be broad-based with attending malnutrition of vulnerable children and GDP growth projected to contract by some 30%.”
President Akufo-Addo
Impact of climate change on women and children
Furthermore, the President noted that the cataclysmic events associated with climate change are ravaging communities, disrupting economies and amplifying the cries of those who suffer the most – the vulnerable and marginalized. He explained that whereas climate change affects everyone, it does not affect everyone equally.
“Sadly, women and children experience the greatest impacts of climate change which magnifies existing gender inequalities and pose unique threats to their livelihoods, health and safety… Women on the continent are the backbone of our economies and communities, the guardians of our families and the caretakers of our environment…”
President Akufo-Addo
Moreover, President Akufo-Addo highlighted that data from sub-Saharan Africa highlights the significant role of women and food production, which accounts for some 80% of the sector’s output, while some 60% of women are engaged in agriculture. However, he stated that gender inequalities and stigmatization in the region limits women’s access to land, social protection, financing and technology, which is critical for agricultural productivity.
“Traditionally, labor markets in Africa exhibit strong gender segregation with many women confined to low-paying and insecure occupation. Women also shoulder burden of unpaid work further exacerbating the economic challenges…”
President Akufo-Addo
Relying heavily on natural resources and climate sensitive sectors for their livelihoods, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that women are particularly susceptible to the adverse impact of climate change. He noted that as a consequence of these gender disparities, women on the continent are more likely to experience poverty, possess lower levels of education and face health risks.
In light of this, the President emphasized that it is crucial their voice are heard in all discussions and at all levels in governance structure in Africa stands a chance of addressing positively, the climate crisis.
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