Climate change is a global phenomenon which poses serious challenges for the world and Africa in particular. The impact of climate change on peace and security in Africa is evidenced by the numerous conflicts that have plagued the African continent. 

Evidence has pointed to the fact that industrialised nations are responsible for large carbon emissions, while third-world countries are net carbon sinks. 

As a result, Africa has borne the brunt of global climate change patterns, which have resulted in the butterfly effect, which, by definition, states that a single change or occurrence in a complex system within a localised area, no matter how small, will have a greater effect on a larger scale. 

This is particularly true for Africa. 

The impact of climate change on peace and security is testimony to this and will likely increase in the coming years. 

This is happening at a time of rapid global change, spurred by population growth and increased demand for food and natural resources, coupled with the depletion of fertile soil  and freshwater sources.  These issues have the potential to drive social as well as civil and political unrest.

One of the consequences of climate change is the rise in the sea level and coastal degradation.  Rising sea levels threaten the viability of low-lying areas, which may lead to social disruption, displacement and migration. Disagreements over maritime boundaries and oceans may also increase.

Another example of the consequences of climate change on Africa’s peace and security is evident in the volatile food prices and their provision.  Climate change is highly likely to disrupt food production in many regions, increasing prices and market volatility and raising the risk of protests, rioting and civil conflict. This is particularly true for Egypt, when the population took to the streets in 2011 to protest, amongst others, the high unemployment rate, low wages and food inflation. 

The soaring food prices in Egypt were a major ingredient in this civil unrest. 

Egypt’s food supply system was ineffective.  The resulting protests underscored the government’s inability to ensure food security for its population, effectively eroding its legitimacy. The increasing scarcity of productive land and reliable clean water has already become a conflict driver. This is particularly true for Darfur, Sudan’s western war-torn region. 

The indigenous people of this region depend on pastoralism for their livelihoods – the rearing of livestock on communal lands. Paradoxically, the vast Darfur region has low and variable rainfall, which is not conducive for animals, where water sources were poisoned, and grasslands destroyed by fire to deter a section of pastoralists from grazing. This competition for scarce resources exacerbated the situation in Darfur and has spilt over into a national conflict.

The pressures of climate change’s contribution to the natural environment are also evidenced in the western region of Rwanda. Due to its mountainous topography, high population density and changing climatic patterns, this region is prone to environmental disasters.  Flooding and landslides have occurred since 2007, damaging property and displacing thousands of people. 

To worsen the situation, the relocation of affected people has not been managed well by the local government. In addition, the displaced population lacks land to grow their food and become self-dependent.

 As part of its strategy, the Rwandan government has blamed subsistence farming, which has simply increased grievances among the population.

The impact of climate change is far-reaching, affecting our way of living and, in essence, our humanity.  The management of climate change, or lack thereof, has ripple effects across the globe. It is, therefore, imperative that the global citizenry does not downplay the importance of climate change. 

The discourse of climate change should permeate our lives through mitigation and adaptation measures, which are environmentally friendly. 

It is the responsibility of the current generation to leave behind a hospitable environment for future generations.

*Michael Madhimba is a jurisprudence student and business development associate. This article was written in his personal capacity.