News

Climate change and African tourism
08 November 2006

Much of Africa could see tourism revenues disappear as a result of global warming.

That is according to a report by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, using data from the UN Environment Programme (Unep) and the World Meteorological Organisation.

The key findings of the report detail that sea levels on the African coast could rise by as much as 95cm within the next 100 years, putting the lives of 70m people at risk.

In addition, the continent's coastline could be destroyed, devastating settlements in the Gulf of Guinea, Senegal, Gambia, and Egypt.

A drastic rise in sea level is likely to lead to knock-on effects such as reduced fish productivity, the bleaching of coral and loss of beach facilities. The report warns that, as a result, tourism revenues will be lost.

'Climate change is underway and the international community must respond by offering well targeted assistance to those countries in the front-line which are facing increasing impacts,' said Achim Steiner, executive director of Unep.

Experts are concerned that Africa does not have the capability to predict the weather on a large-scale, something which could help to avoid future disasters.

'Part of the action, part of the adaptation response and part of this responsibility to Africa, must include significant improvements in Africa's climate and weather monitoring capabilities,' said Mr Steiner.

'Then countries on the continent can better tailor their response in areas from agriculture to heath care.'

© Adfero Ltd

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