Health, climate and challenges in Africa: 2024-2100

This chapter presents snapshots of existing and likely impacts of climate change in Africa, focusing on linkages, feedbacks and vulnerabilities. While potentially catastrophic risks exist, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, adaptation steps are also explored, especially the helpful, development-promoting prospects that may emerge if discussing family planning and limits becomes more acceptable, not only to policy makers in the global North, but also within the continent. Population health in Africa may improve, despite the formidable challenges that are faced, if the speed of the nascent 'sustainability transition' in the North is greatly accelerated (avoiding worst-case climate scenarios) and if this is mirrored by the taking up of opportunities that exist in Africa. Overstating the role of calamities in Africa in climate change is problematic; global warming is largely beyond African control; however, many of the co-factors that shape the health of the people of Africa can be improved by local action.