KANDA WEATHER & CLIMATE CHANGE IN AFRICA
In the 21st century world, there are many occurrences of weather-related disasters and there hasn’t been a solution to mitigate the frequency of these disasters. It has been observed that some factors like human activity, industrialization, global warming and climate change are principal causative factors that contribute to the repeated occurrences of these events.
Ways in which the above-mentioned factors have impacted the weather over time, and solutions that can help, will be explained in the following sections of this thread.
MAJOR CAUSES OF WEATHER-RELATED DISASTERS
Human Activity & Industrialization
Human Activity and Industrialization are like activities. The quick population growth of the 21st century has led to an increase in demand for products and services and thus intense levels of product consumption.
As demand increases, production increases and a heightened rate of production and industrialization leads to a higher release of harmful chemical emissions into the atmosphere and the environment. The build-up of these harmful chemicals in our atmosphere for a prolonged period of time has disrupted the natural weather patterns and weather conditions of certain regions resulting in the occurrence of severe weather and weather disasters.
Global Warming
The second factor in this category is Global Warming. Global Warming is the increase in the overall temperature of the earth’s atmosphere due to intense human activity like fossil fuel burning. These activities cause what is known today as the greenhouse effect.
The greenhouse effect is characterized by increased levels of trapped carbon (IV) oxide, CFCs, and other greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere. These trapped gases particularly carbon contribute to the rapid increase in the earth’s temperature making the earth warmer.
Many reports have described the meltdown of glacial ice in polar regions and rising sea levels as well. Associated with these events are frequent occurrences of flood disasters and tsunamis.
Climate Change
Climate change is a long-term change in the weather patterns and conditions of a particular region over a long period of time. This can be due to factors such as an increase in average atmospheric temperature (global warming). Whether or not change in climate is influenced, irregularities in understanding the climate’s weather pattern happen to cause severe weather conditions.
CLIMATE CHANGE IN AFRICA
Among the three principal causes of weather disasters worldwide, climate change is of deeper concern to the African community. Here is why.
In Africa, particularly in Sub-saharan countries, industrialization and human activities are low compared to leading nations and developed countries of the world. However, the effect of the other two factors on the earth has become dominant that it becomes a problem and results in a change in the climate of countries within the Sub-saharan Africa region.
This is why climate change is the main subject in this thread.
PROBLEMS CAUSED BY CLIMATE CHANGE IN AFRICA
The main occupation of the African community is traditionally farming and fishing. Generations have succeeded each other and handed down the skill and practice. However, with changing weather and climate, productivity is reduced and the locals who rely on this as a means of livelihood and survival are now left at the mercy of whatever the weather will be.
The longer-term impacts of climate change in Africa which include changing rainfall patterns have affected agriculture to a great extent and have reduced food security; water security etc. One threat that faces the continent as a result of this is drought.
From a study in 2021, it was observed that the Sahara desert is encroaching into its surroundings at a rate of 48km per year and this encroachment which has claimed farmlands is greatly influenced by the changing climatic condition of the continent especially its Sub-Saharan region.
KANDA WEATHER GROUP HELPS
Kanda Weather Group collects real-time climate and weather data for local, regional and national level planning and has intervened greatly and has provided tremendous aid to local communities across different regions in Africa.
It currently provides real-time weather forecasts for five (5) locations in Africa using its designed model of radiosondes. Kanda Weather collects weather data and uses the technology of the blockchain to store them and also provides accurate and reliable weather forecasts to local communities in these regions. This has been particularly helpful for fishermen and farmers in the region.