Reports have shown that human-caused climate change is causing a significant increase in the number of severe flooding events taking place across eastern and western Africa. At the very same time, the areas are becoming more populated, with land being used for settlements and farming. The result is catastrophic devastation with every heavy rainfall. Authorities must stop expansion into these areas or relocate the existing residents to safer regions. Otherwise, there will continue to be fatal consequences.
Africa accounts for just 2% of the world's demand for coal and its emissions are minute. Yet, the continent is significantly and disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change. Wealthier states — such as the US — that have benefited from decades of using fossil fuels and other unsustainable practices to enrich themselves at the cost of other countries need to compensate for their actions and support struggling nations like Rwanda and Uganda.