UN: natural disasters left more than 53,600 dead in Africa between 2000 and 2022

The Economic Commission for Africa of the United Nations (Uneca) today warned of an increase in natural disasters in Africa due to the climate crisis, which have left more than 53,600 dead between 2000 and 2022 and have hampered the economic growth of the continent.

“Climate-induced catastrophic events have triggered serious humanitarian crises in Africa. Between 2000 and 2022, a total of 407.5 million people have been affected by natural disasters”said Uneca from Abuja, the Nigerian capital, where next Monday it will present its report “Building Africa’s resilience to global economic shocks”.

“During this period, 4.2 million people were left homeless, 53,610 died, and 52,205 were injured.”added this UN institution in a statement.

Thus, Uneca warned thate “part of the volatility observed in the growth” of the continent’s gross domestic product (GDP) is due to “the shocks induced by the climate”.

“With a temperature change of 1.8 degrees Celsius, as is expected to occur in 2030 if current trends persist, we could expect a two percentage point decline in real GDP growth.””, indicated Uneca.

“More importantly, the climate crisis in Africa tends to derail poverty reduction and, in some cases, destroy the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on agriculture and small businesses,” he highlighted.

His report recommended to African countries “take advantage of its natural resources in a way that stimulates economic growth” and “at the same time gradually reduce” emissions of polluting gases “associated with consumption activities”.

He also advised the international community “develop a mechanism that facilitates the repurchase of debt and its reissuance at lower rates”which would allow African countries to carry out climate action and “invest your savings in climate resilience.”