The inaugural issue, called Climate Risk Management in Africa: Learning from practice, describes current efforts that are helping societies better adapt, and shows that when climate information successfully reaches vulnerable populations, it can be used to improve livelihoods and economies, and even save lives. The report was launched on January 30th during a special session of the 8th African Union Heads-of-State Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It details five examples of how climate risks are being effectively managed in Africa:
- Food security in Ethiopia
- Flood risk management in Mozambique
- Malaria management in Southern Africa
- Agrometeorology in Mali
- Drought insurance in Malawi
Each is a case where national authorities, project developers or private-sector operators have recognized the value of climate information and have sought to integrate it into their decision-making.
"The case examples provide a timely reminder that Africa is responding to climate risks right now, and by doing so they will be better prepared to manage risks associated with future climate change" said IRI’s Molly Hellmuth, who is the director of the Climate and Society secretariat and lead editor of the publication.
"Decision makers and practitioners throughout the world can learn from these examples as they develop policy and planning to confront current and future climate variability and change," she said. Copies of the report were distributed to all the heads of state and their delegations.
Opening remarks at the launch were given by Ahamadu Babagana, the director of the AU Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture. "The time has come to showcase the innovation and commitment with which people are working to address climate change and helping vulnerable populations cope," he said, "and there is no better place to start than with this critical publication focusing on Africa."
In producing the report, IRI partnered with the AU, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the African Development Bank and the Global Climate Observing System. The Department for International Development in the (UK) and National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (US) funded the project.
IRI Director-General Steve Zebiak, who also spoke at the launch, said that "the cases provide valuable lessons not only for Africa, but the rest of the world, as we continue to learn how science and technology can be utilized today to address climate risks today, as well as those of the future."
Other speakers included Josue Dione, from the UNECA, Director Kignaman-Soro from ACMAD and Professor John C. Anyanwu, chief research economist at the African Development Bank.
Relevant Outputs
Presentations and Videos From Summit
IISD Summit Coverage (PDF)
