Climate change is a critical environmental concern to be included in the discourses of transboundary water politics. This week I came across two maps that helped enlighten me on the progress in the development of climate change framework law and funding in different African countries.
Figure one reveals that the countries which have greater funding resources seem to also have begun the stages of creating framework bills and laws. Exceptions to this include Algeria which despite having only 1-10 (USD million) in funding, already has dedicated climate change references in law. This is expected as Algeria has long been understood as highly vulnerable to climate change, due to its geographic position in the 'hot spot' for climate change and it is projected to see high-temperature changes and increased drought risk. Of the 11 countries through which the Nile flows, only 4 (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda) have information available on the framework bills or laws specifically focused on climate change. Figure two reveals that by the end of the 21st Century the entire continent will have experienced at least a 10% change (either positive or negative) in water availability. Furthermore, over the course of the 21st Century, the standard deviation of the flow of the Nile is expected to double, effectively resulting in much greater variability in Africa's water supply (doubling the likelihood of flooding and droughts). It is concerning that there is not greater awareness of the importance of funding the most vulnerable communities and how critical it is that this funding is translated into climate change policy.
Figure one: (Left: Map of climate change framework bills/laws across the African continent; Right: Map of climate change research funding in USD millions across the African continent.
The effective and sustainable management of water resources is complex. There is a fragile circle of reliance as the sustainable management of water resources is reliant on African economic success for investment however economic investments made to address the poor socio-economic situation in Africa relies on sustainable water sources. On the whole, investments could be classified into three key areas of the water sector: providing universal safe drinking water; managing drought risk for farmers green; and grey infrastructural investments are necessary. The GERD could be considered a wise investment therefore as it simultaneously tackles two of these key areas: the regulated flow will improve agriculture by facilitating irrigation schemes and the production of hydroelectric power will ensure domestic energy security and provide economic benefits from exportation. Moreover, the GERD aligns with Ethiopia's Climate-resilient Green Economy Strategy as their divergence from biomass fuel towards hydropower will reduce their environmental footprint.
The effect that climate change will have on the water in Africa must be understood better in the context of the most vulnerable communities with the least available investment; subsequently, this knowledge can then be utilised into creating effective sustainable policy. There is a real gap in climate justice and responsibility and COP27 offers the opportunity for Africa to highlight their concerns and needs putting its interest at the forefront of climate discussions.
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