The world is experiencing some of its most extreme weather patterns on record, from floods and intense rains to heatwaves. And greenhouse gases from human activity, like burning fossil fuels and generating electricity, are contributing significantly to these hazards.
Africa has been responsible for less than 4 percent of the emissions but it's by far the most vulnerable region to the effects of climate change.
Among these, experts predict that most parts of the continent will experience much drier conditions. That's already the case in parts of northern Kenya, which have not seen rain for more than a year. DW correspondent Mariel Müller reports.
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09:46 Coal in sub-Saharan Africa
Coal is the single biggest contributor to climate change. Burning coal, mainly to generate power, is responsible for nearly half of the world's carbon dioxide emissions.
There are only some 27 coal-fired power plants in sub-Saharan Africa. This is a tiny amount compared to the rest of the world. But many fear a potential coal boom on the continent as African nations scramble to meet their power needs. This dilemma is something South Africa is struggling with, as DW's Christine Mhundwa found out on a recent visit.
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17:05 Hydropower in Rwanda
Israel Habimana decided not to wait for Rwanda's government to provide electricity, but chose to invest in off-grid energy himself to change villager's lives. The 55-year-old amateur farmer didn’t go to school. But his hydroelectric plant is providing electricity to more than 140 families in Kirehe village, in Eastern Rwanda, and has opened a path for new business, giving people hope and a new perspective for a better life.
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Africa has been responsible for less than 4 percent of the emissions but it's by far the most vulnerable region to the effects of climate change.
Among these, experts predict that most parts of the continent will experience much drier conditions. That's already the case in parts of northern Kenya, which have not seen rain for more than a year. DW correspondent Mariel Müller reports.
+++
09:46 Coal in sub-Saharan Africa
Coal is the single biggest contributor to climate change. Burning coal, mainly to generate power, is responsible for nearly half of the world's carbon dioxide emissions.
There are only some 27 coal-fired power plants in sub-Saharan Africa. This is a tiny amount compared to the rest of the world. But many fear a potential coal boom on the continent as African nations scramble to meet their power needs. This dilemma is something South Africa is struggling with, as DW's Christine Mhundwa found out on a recent visit.
+++
17:05 Hydropower in Rwanda
Israel Habimana decided not to wait for Rwanda's government to provide electricity, but chose to invest in off-grid energy himself to change villager's lives. The 55-year-old amateur farmer didn’t go to school. But his hydroelectric plant is providing electricity to more than 140 families in Kirehe village, in Eastern Rwanda, and has opened a path for new business, giving people hope and a new perspective for a better life.
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/deutsche...
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Francisco Gimeno - BC Analyst The African continent is the past and will be the future of Humanity. Unfortunately greed, lack of infrastructures, and history have been, are yet, against Africa. Even forecast on climate changes effects are negative. This continent has not had the chance to develop a strong fuel/oil based economy and now it can be too late for it. What are the options then? Can we be optimistic? There are many stories of resilience and struggle coming out from Africa, but we believe its full success from climate change will come from the common support humans have to offer to each other everywhere.