Daily Current Affairs : 30-August-2023
In recent times, the world has witnessed a groundbreaking development involving 48 African countries – the adoption of the Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change (KDMECC). This landmark declaration, co-hosted by the governments of Kenya and Uganda, with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), carries immense significance for Africa and the global community.
Understanding the KDMECC
The KDMECC is a comprehensive and action-oriented framework, spearheaded by African Member States, that seeks to address the complex interplay between human mobility and climate change on the continent. To delve deeper into its significance, we must consider the context and challenges facing Africa.
Significance of the KDMECC
Africa, known for its rich cultural diversity and abundant natural resources, is paradoxically one of the most vulnerable continents to the ravages of climate change. Climate change disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystems and leads to increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This, in turn, has a direct and profound impact on migration patterns. According to a recent report by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, over 7.5 million people were internally displaced due to disasters in the past year alone. If no effective measures are taken, this number could soar to a staggering 105 million internal migrants within Africa.
Challenges of Climate Change in Africa
Before delving into the KDMECC’s implications, it’s vital to understand the pressing challenges posed by climate change:
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Global emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) have continued to rise, with carbon dioxide levels at 149% of pre-industrial levels, methane at 262%, and nitrous oxide at 124%. Notably, methane witnessed its largest increase on record in recent years.
- Rising Temperatures: In 2022, the Earth’s temperature was approximately 1.15°C warmer than the pre-industrial average, marking the last eight years as the warmest on record, despite La Niña conditions.
- Precipitation Patterns: 2022 witnessed irregular precipitation patterns, with some regions experiencing above-normal rainfall and others facing severe deficits. This disparity exacerbates water scarcity issues.
- Ocean Warming: As GHGs accumulate in the atmosphere, ocean temperatures rise, with 58% of the ocean surface experiencing marine heatwave events in 2022.
- Sea Level Rise: Global mean sea level continues to rise, with an average increase of 3.4 ± 0.3 mm per year over the past three decades, posing a significant threat to coastal communities.
- Extreme Events: Increasing global temperatures contribute to more frequent and severe extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, wildfires, and storms.
Worldwide Impacts of Climate Change
The consequences of climate change are not confined to Africa alone:
- India witnessed an early monsoon and unusual weather patterns, leading to floods and droughts in various regions.
- Northeast India experienced both floods and a dry spell, showcasing the unpredictability of climate-induced events.
- Pakistan suffered devastating floods that claimed numerous lives and affected millions of people.
- Europe faced record-breaking heatwaves and droughts, causing reduced river flows.
- North America experienced its warmest August and grappled with extensive forest fires, as did Australia.
Important Points:
KDMECC and Its Significance:
- Adoption of KDMECC by 48 African countries.
- Co-hosted by Kenya and Uganda with support from IOM and UNFCCC.
- Aims to address the link between human mobility and climate change in Africa.
- First comprehensive framework led by African Member States.
- Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts.
- Climate change leads to increased extreme weather events and internal displacement.
- As many as 105 million people could become internal migrants within Africa without action.
Challenges of Climate Change:
- Global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise.
- Carbon dioxide at 149% of pre-industrial levels.
- Methane at 262% and nitrous oxide at 124%.
- Largest-ever annual increase in methane in recent years.
- Earth’s temperature is 1.15°C warmer than pre-industrial levels.
- Despite cooling La Niña conditions, 2022 was among the warmest years.
- Irregular precipitation patterns with some regions experiencing excess rainfall and others facing deficits.
- Ocean warming and marine heatwave events affecting 58% of the ocean surface.
- Global mean sea level continues to rise (3.4 ± 0.3 mm per year over the past 30 years).
- More frequent and severe extreme weather events worldwide.
Worldwide Impacts of Climate Change:
- Early Indian monsoon and unusual weather patterns causing floods and droughts.
- Northeast India experiencing both floods and dry spells.
- Devastating floods in Pakistan affecting millions.
- Europe facing record-breaking heatwaves, droughts, and reduced river flows.
- North America’s warmest August with extensive forest fires.
- Climate change affects regions globally, leading to disasters and disruptions.
Why In News
Recently, 48 African nations came together to collectively embrace the Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change (KDMECC), showcasing their commitment to addressing the pressing challenges at the intersection of migration, environment, and climate change. This significant multilateral agreement underscores the continent’s unity and determination to implement sustainable solutions in the face of these interconnected global issues.
MCQs about Africa’s KDMECC Declaration
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What is the primary aim of the Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change (KDMECC)?
A. To address climate-induced migration in Africa
B. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally
C. To promote tourism in Kenya and Uganda
D. To enhance agriculture in North America
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Why is Africa considered highly vulnerable to climate change?
A. Due to its large population
B. Because it is the hottest continent
C. Owing to the increased frequency of extreme weather events
D. Because it has a lack of natural resources
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What does the acronym “IOM” stand for in the context of the KDMECC (Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change)?
A. International Organization for Migration
B. International Oceanic Monitoring
C. Indigenous Organizations for Mitigation
D. International Office of Meteorology
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