Southern Africa faces a severe drought impacting 61 million people, with 20 million in crisis. Namibia has initiated a drastic measure, culling wildlife to address food shortages while grappling with depleted food reserves. The drought is a consequence of climate change, which has intensified natural disasters globally, necessitating urgent action to avert catastrophic outcomes. Collective efforts are vital to drive change in the ongoing climate crisis.
Southern Africa is currently enduring a severe drought, marking one of the most critical water shortages in over a century. Approximately 61 million people are impacted, with over 20 million classified as being in crisis (IPC Phase 3).[1] Countries including Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have declared states of emergency due to escalating conditions.[2]
In Namibia, the situation is dire, with about 40% of the population facing acute food insecurity.[3] To address the resulting hunger crisis, the country has initiated a culling of approximately 700 wild animals, including elephants and hippos, to provide food for the affected populace.[4] As of 2024, 84% of Namibia’s food reserves have been depleted.[5]
Historically, Namibia has faced multiple emergencies due to drought, with states of emergency declared from 2013-2014, 2015-2016, and 2018-2019.[6] This pattern highlights the recurring challenges posed by climate change and its devastating effects on agriculture and water resources in the region.
The underlying cause of such severe droughts is climate change, which exacerbates environmental disasters worldwide. For instance, natural disasters have significantly increased, with climate-related disasters escalating by 83% from 1980 to 2019, underscoring the urgent need for climate action.[7] The ongoing wildfires in California and other global crises illustrate that climate change is affecting multiple regions simultaneously.
Addressing climate change is crucial for all, not just those directly facing disasters. If left unaddressed, the consequences will be catastrophic not only for affected regions but also globally. Collective action is necessary, as individual efforts, though seemingly insignificant, can lead to significant changes when a critical mass participates.
The global community has delayed decisive climate action for far too long, prolonging the crisis since nearly 170 years ago.[8] It is imperative to act now to mitigate further damage and avert irreversible consequences to our planet.
The current drought crisis in Southern Africa is a dire indication of the broader impacts of climate change, affecting millions and necessitating immediate global action. Countries are declaring emergencies, and urgent measures are being taken to alleviate food insecurity. Historical patterns reveal a worrying trend of recurring droughts, reinforcing the need for a decisive response to combat climate change and prevent future crises.
Original Source: www.theteenmagazine.com
