What Africa’s drought responses teach us about climate change hotspots

Abstract

Climate change What Africa’s drought responses teach us about climate change hotspots The impact of drought has been felt acutely this season over southern Africa, as El Niño hit hard. Perhaps this is what we might expect under future climate change conditions and so we had better learn how to prepare for it: more frequent years that record less rainfall than usual, along with the associated crippling impact on livelihoods and the economy. This is particularly the case in semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia. These climate change hotspots are highly dynamic systems that already experience harsh climates, adverse environmental change and a relative lack of natural resources. People here are often further marginalised by high levels of poverty, inequality and rapidly changing socio-economic, governance and development contexts. This requires an effective response. In northern Namibia and eastern Botswana, research is already underway into what’s currently working and not working in relation to managing climate impacts.

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