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2019 and 2021 were among the four warmest years on record for the African continent- a trend that is expected to continue. 

Extensive areas of Africa will exceed 2 °C of warming above pre-industrial levels by the last two decades of this century under medium scenarios. Much of Africa has already warmed by more than 1 °C since 1901, with an increase in heatwaves and hot days combined with a reduction of precipitation. 

Referring to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), mortality and morbidity will rise with further global warming of more than 2 degrees Celsius, which also lead to an increase in the spread of vector-borne diseases, especially i western, eastern and southern Africa.

High temperatures cause heat stress on humans, livestock, crops and infrastructure. Extremes of temperature are common in Africa and infrastructure is often incapable of providing adequate cooling. Long Periods of high temperatures can lead to cumulative physiological stress which aggravates respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus,renal disease and many other potential health risks.

The category explores the connection of climate caused temperature rise and heattwaves in Africa and its implications on health, economy, agriculture and livelihoods- all existential parameters for human existence, socio-economic determinants of health and key factors for resilience.

Learning objectives:

• Learners will be able to describe heat-related consequences to human and animal health.

• Learners will be able to explain mitigation and adaptation strategies to global temperature rise heat waves.