Climate Change and Health in africa (CCH)
The Climate Change and Health project is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP), in partnership with NASAC. This regional initiative brings together scientific communities across Africa to analyze the impacts of climate change on health and to develop science-based recommendations for policymakers.
Climate Change and Health in africa (CCH)
The Climate Change and Health project is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP), in partnership with NASAC. This regional initiative brings together scientific communities across Africa to analyze the impacts of climate change on health and to develop science-based recommendations for policymakers.
Introduction
Climate change is an urgent threat to Africa, endangering millions of lives, destabilizing livelihoods, and derailing development progress. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea-level rise are already measurable consequences of global warming, driven by both natural factors and human activities. Africa contributes less than 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet its populations face disproportionate health risks due to existing vulnerabilities. From infectious diseases to food insecurity, the continent’s health systems are under growing strain. Immediate adaptation and mitigation strategies are critical to safeguarding Africa’s future.
The project aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and policy implementation. While numerous policy documents exist—from organizations like WHO-AFRO, UNFCCC, AU, and UNEP—they are often scattered and difficult to navigate. Policymakers need clear, concise, and actionable evidence to inform their decisions. This project consolidates existing knowledge and provides tailored recommendations to help African nations build resilience and adapt to the health impacts of climate change.
The Challenge
Africa’s vulnerability to climate change is compounded by its limited capacity to adapt. The health impacts are far-reaching, affecting food security, water availability, and the spread of infectious diseases. Despite the continent’s minimal contribution to global GHG emissions, it faces some of the most severe consequences, including increased mortality from heatwaves, malnutrition, and vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever.
Previous work by the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) has highlighted the need for climate change adaptation and resilience in Africa( Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience in Africa: Recommendations to Policymakers). A key publication, Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience in Africa: Recommendations to Policymakers, has already laid the groundwork for understanding the shifting disease patterns and the urgent need for action.
Why It Matters
Climate change is not just an environmental issue in Africa—it is also a public health crisis. Without urgent action, the health and well-being of millions of Africans will continue to be at risk. This publication seeks to empower African nations with the knowledge and tools necessary to combat the health impacts of climate change and build a more resilient future.
The Climate-Health Connection
Human activities—such as fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and intensive agriculture—release greenhouse gases (GHGs) that accelerate global warming. These changes exacerbate health risks across Africa, including:
- Heat-related illnesses from rising temperatures.
- Spread of vector-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue) due to shifting climates.
- Malnutrition is linked to disrupted food systems.
- Respiratory diseases worsened by air pollution and wildfires.
- Mental health impacts from climate-induced displacement and trauma.
Despite Africa’s minimal contribution to global emissions, its communities bear the highest burden of climate-related health harms.
Key Objectives
- Analyze Regional Impacts: Assess how climate change exacerbates health inequities in Africa.
- Bridge Policy Gaps: Translate scientific evidence into practical, scalable solutions for governments.
- Strengthen Collaboration: Foster partnerships between scientists, policymakers, and communities.
- Advocate for Equity: Highlight Africa’s unique vulnerabilities in global climate negotiations.
Report Dissemination
The Report has also been disseminated by the Lead Researcher, Dr. Deoraj Caussy, at side events as below:
- Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) 2023– 5 December 2023 Pretoria, South Africa
- Annual Meeting of African Science Academies (AMASA) 2022 held in Nairobi, Kenya on 28-30 November 2022.
- Side event at COP-27 Health Pavilion Climate Action for Health at Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt on 10 November 2022 under the topic “Partnerships beyond the health sector for accelerating the uptake of scientific knowledge”.
Related Resources
- Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience in Africa: Recommendations to Policymakers
- UNFCCC, AU Agenda 2063, WHO Climate and Health Initiatives