According to the recent IMF report, climate change is projected to exacerbate conflicts in states that are already fragile or affected by war. This escalation could lead to a rise in death rates and a substantial decline in GDP.
While the report clarifies that climate shocks themselves don't directly trigger conflicts, they can intensify existing tensions and worsen underlying challenges like poverty and hunger.
The study examined 61 countries listed as "fragile and conflict-affected states" since 2006, revealing a potential increase of nearly 10% in conflict-related deaths as a proportion of the population by 2060.
Moreover, climate change could force an additional 50 million people in these states into hunger by the same year. Despite growing evidence of climate change, economic concerns have hindered the willingness to implement effective measures.
A plea from African leaders emphasizes the need for wealthier nations to provide increased financial assistance, aiding them in adapting to climate change and transitioning towards cleaner energy options.
This request is rooted in the fact that most African countries have contributed only a minor portion of the emissions that drive global warming.
To establish a unified stance for climate negotiations, they are set to convene at the African Climate Summit scheduled from September 4th to 6th.
This gathering aims to solidify their position before the COP28 UN climate summit, which is slated to commence in late November in the United Arab Emirates.