East Africa, and in particular, parts of Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya are experiencing the driest conditions and hottest temperatures since satellite record-keeping began, UN environmental program reported.
Vast areas of Ethiopia that include some zones of Oromia, Somali and South regions are gravely hit by the drought.The drought severely affected these regions exposing them to the loss of animals in millions and the people whose very existence is closely related to the survival of the animals.
Scientists are blaming climate change for the current crisis in a part of the world that is least able to cope. Africa as a whole contributes to about two to three per cent of global emissions that cause global warming and climate change. However, the continent suffers the heaviest impacts of the climate crisis, including increased heat waves, severe droughts and catastrophic cyclones.
True, global warming,resulted from climate change,is the prominent cause for dire crises occurred throughout the world. It exacerbates water shortages in already water-stressed regions and is leading to an increased risk of agricultural droughts affecting crops, and ecological droughts increasing the vulnerability of ecosystems. Wildfires start more easily and spread more rapidly when conditions are hotter.
Fossil fuel, coal, oil and gas are by far the largest accelerators global climate change, accounting for over 75 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90 per cent of all carbon dioxide emissions.
According to UN climate action, machines used in the manufacturing process often run on coal, oil, or gas; and some materials, like plastics are made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels. The manufacturing industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
It is undeniable that industrially developed countries are highly accountable for the greenhouse gas emission. As greenhouse gas concentration rise, so does the global surface temperature that resulted in climate change which is the main cause for the drought the eastern Africa is suffering from now.
Countries that are experiencing the driest condition are taking remedial measures to tackle consequences of the climate change. For instance, Ethiopia has been working diligently inland to reach those affected by the drought. The government along with various sections of the community and renowned entities is providing life saving aid to the needy. Above that, it hasbeen working on extending forestation via intensifying green legacy and capitalizing on developing renewable energy sources. But the current problem is beyond its capacity.
Hence, it is the right time for the international community; especially the highly industrialized countries those are producing the largest volume of the pollutant gases and aid organizations to pay attention to the problem. They have to be responsible not only legally, but also morally being a friend in need.
Fortunately, with the effort the victim countries exert, lose of human life has rarely occurred yet. However,any delay will exacerbate the problem up to putting human life at risk. Thus, developed countries and aid organizations are duty bound to act accordingly in emergency aid provision.
The Ethiopian Herald March 18/2023
