African countries remain in the unenviable position of being disproportionately vulnerable to climate change. Despite accounting for the smallest share of global greenhouse gas emissions – only 3.8 % – the continent is already warming faster than the rest of the world.

If the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels is not met, Africa could face catastrophic temperature increases of up to 3°C by 2050.

Simultaneously, the threat to the GDP of African nations most vulnerable to these changes – that is, the amount of economic activity that stands to be lost if these changes are severe enough – is projected to rise from $900 billion in 2018 to more than $1.3 trillion in 2023. That amounts to nearly half of the continent's projected GDP.

How can we close the gap?

Climate change adaptation measures, such as working to protect mangroves on over 200 million hectares of land, are being led by organizations such as the African Development Bank and the UN Environment Programme.

However, the annual cost of this type of climate adaptation for developing countries is estimated to be around $72 billion, with this figure expected to rise to between $137 and $301 billion by 2030. While developed countries agreed in Glasgow to more than double their climate change contributions to developing countries by 2025, this amount is only a fraction of what is needed.

Paris climate agreement

One way to close this gap is to use the Paris climate agreement, specifically a section of article six that allows countries with high emissions to offset them by investing in sustainable initiatives like reforestation in low-emitting countries, including those in Africa. Such collaborations could serve as a catalyst for the expansion of low-carbon energy projects like solar, geothermal, and wind power.

More jobs, better economy

Between now and 2030, Africa's economies could benefit from up to $322 billion in new business opportunities aimed at climate-proofing food and land systems, such as preserving local forest ecosystems and restoring degraded landscapes.