By Tendai Keith Guvamombe
A recent survey conducted by Afrobarometer, a pan-African research network, has shed light on the growing concerns of Africans regarding climate change. The survey, which spanned 22 countries, reveals that a significant majority of citizens are aware of climate change and believe it is having a devastating impact on their communities. The findings also highlight the need for governments to take urgent action to address the crisis, with many citizens calling for increased pressure on rich and developed countries to provide support.
Climate Change: A Growing Concern
The survey found that six in 10 Africans (59%) have heard about climate change, with awareness being particularly high in countries such as Mauritius (83%), Gabon (79%), and Malawi (77%). However, there are still significant gaps in awareness, with only 37% of Tunisians and 38% of Tanzanians having heard about climate change.
Among those who are aware of climate change, the overwhelming majority (81%) believe it is making life in their countries worse. This sentiment is particularly strong in countries such as Mauritius (95%), Zimbabwe (93%), Zambia (93%), and Lesotho (92%). The survey also found that majorities of citizens report that crop failures and droughts have worsened over the past decade, with 59% saying that these phenomena have become “somewhat more severe” or “much more severe” in their region.
Who Should Take Responsibility?
When asked who should bear primary responsibility for limiting climate change, the most common answer was the respondent’s government (37%), followed by rich or developed countries (26%) and ordinary citizens (18%). This suggests that Africans are looking to their governments to take a leading role in addressing the climate crisis, while also recognizing the need for international cooperation and individual action.
Calls for Government Intervention
The survey reveals that Africans are eager for their governments to take action on climate change. A whopping 77% of respondents believe that their governments should put more pressure on rich and developed countries to provide resources to help citizens affected by climate change. This sentiment is even stronger when it comes to investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, with 82% of Africans supporting such investments in response to changing weather patterns and environmental degradation.
A Call to Action
The Afrobarometer survey provides a stark reminder of the urgent need for action on climate change in Africa. As the continent continues to bear the brunt of the crisis, it is imperative that governments, international organizations, and individuals work together to address the root causes of climate change and support those who are most vulnerable to its impacts.
The findings of the survey should serve as a call to action for African governments, rich and developed countries, and the international community as a whole. By working together and taking bold action, we can reduce the devastating impacts of climate change and build a more sustainable and resilient future for all Africans.
Key Statistics:
– 59% of Africans have heard about climate change
– 81% of those who are aware of climate change believe it is making life in their countries worse
– 59% of citizens report that crop failures and droughts have worsened over the past decade
– 77% of Africans believe their governments should put more pressure on rich and developed countries to provide resources to help citizens affected by climate change
– 82% of Africans support investment in climate-resilient infrastructure in response to changing weather patterns and environmental degradation
Countries Surveyed:
– Benin
– Botswana
– Burkina Faso
– Cameroon
– Cape Verde
– Côte d’Ivoire
– Gabon
– Ghana
– Kenya
– Lesotho
– Liberia
– Malawi
– Mauritius
– Mozambique
– Namibia
– Nigeria
– Senegal
– Sierra Leone
– Tanzania
– Tunisia
– Uganda
– Zambia
– Zimbabwe
