Sudan, one of the poorest countries in Africa and the world, faces a serious environmental crisis due to climate changeWith more than 40 million inhabitants residing in this country, it is estimated that Temperatures could rise by up to three degrees Celsius by 2060, according to projections issued by various organizations, including CNN. This drastic increase not only threatens the region's habitability but could lead to an unprecedented ecological catastrophe.
If these climate predictions come true, Life as we know it in Sudan could be seriously compromised, in a territory already suffering from severe desertification and increasingly intense dust storms.
Sudan, located in northeastern Africa and bordered by the Red Sea, is almost entirely characterized by arid deserts, with only a few areas of savannah in the south. Temperatures in this country often exceed 42ºC almost daily. Therefore, a further increase of three degrees could mean the collapse of life in this part of the world, since few organisms can withstand temperatures of 45°C constantly. The human body, exposed to temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius for prolonged periods, you could suffer severe brain damage or even death.
The optimal temperature for humans to live comfortably is between 21 and 26°C, which is almost half of what is expected for Sudan in 2060.
Current weather conditions are also aggravated by the presence of dust storms, known locally as "haboob." These phenomena, although characteristic of arid areas, are occurring with greater frequency and severity due to global warming.
A report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reveals that 4,6 million people in Sudan face food insecurity, with a projection that another 3,2 million could lack access to water in the short term. The situation has become so precarious that many Sudanese are fleeing their homes, leaving behind their land and, in many cases, their families.
The Consequences of Climate Change in Sudan
Sudan is already considered one of the most vulnerable countries in the context of the climate changeThe following points highlight the main consequences this phenomenon has had in the region:
- Rising Temperatures: Temperatures in Sudan are expected to rise by 1,1°C to 3,1°C by 2060, exacerbating living conditions. This reflects a general trend observed globally, where increase in average temperature is affecting many regions of the planet.
- Desertification: Severe droughts have led to significant deterioration of agriculture, which has decreased soil fertility.
- Food Insecurity: Uncertainty in rainfall patterns has seriously impacted agricultural production, forcing many to migrate in search of better living conditions. This phenomenon is also observed in other parts of the world, such as German, where strong effects are felt.
- Population Displacement: More than 600.000 people have been forced to leave their homes due to floods and other environmental disasters since 2013.
The impact of climate change on the daily lives of Sudanese is significant. Communities that once relied on traditional agriculture and pastoralism are beginning to experience a accelerated impoverishmentAccording to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), approximately 70% of the rural population still depends on rainfed agriculture for their livelihoods. Irregular rainfall has not only led to declining harvests, but has also caused devastating floods and prolonged droughts, something that is also happening in other small countries such as Mauritania.
Drought is fueling desertification, affecting the savannah belt in the north of the country, resulting in an advance of the desert that has displaced entire populations.
Possible Solutions and Strategies
Aware of the gravity of the situation, experts have begun to propose solutions that can help mitigate these catastrophic effects. It is essential to implement renewable adaptation plans and strategies that enable Sudanese people to adapt to a changing environment.
Initiatives may include:
- Development of Resistant Crops: Crop varieties that can better tolerate drought and hotter conditions are being researched, which is vital in this context of climate change in Sudan.
- Irrigation Improvements: The implementation of more efficient irrigation technologies can be essential to maximize the use of available water during drought periods. These improvements are necessary, as water quality is crucial to the future of agriculture.
- Construction of Water Reservoirs: The creation of "haffirs" (water reservoirs) could facilitate water retention and ensure irrigation in times of scarcity.
- Reforestation: Communities are learning to plant trees to combat desertification, which could have a significant impact on the fight against climate change.
Furthermore, health must also be a focus within any adaptation strategy, since Current climatic conditions may accentuate the spread of diseases such as malaria and cholera. Investing in education to build resilient communities is crucial to ensuring their survival in the face of future climate challenges. It is also important to consider how climate change affects pregnant women, a factor that should not be ignored.
On the other hand, despite local efforts, climate change is a global problem that requires an international response. Reducing greenhouse gases It should be a priority on the policy agenda of developed countries, since Sudan, like other nations on the African continent, has not been responsible for the current climate crisis, but it is one of its main victims.
The Need for Financial Resources
Despite being one of the countries hardest hit by climate change, Sudan receives significantly less funding compared to other nations facing similar challenges. The international community must be more proactive in providing financial support to develop and implement adaptation plans that address extreme climate conditions.
International organizations and governments must work together to ensure that the necessary resources are allocated to address climate change. In this regard, several experts have expressed the need for considerable investment to strengthen the resilience of communities in vulnerable areas. This involves investing in infrastructure that can help mitigate the effects, as mentioned in the analysis on green infrastructures.
Otherwise, there will be lasting impacts, not only in Sudan, but also in neighboring countries and the world at large. Sudan, like other African countries, is experiencing the harsh reality of climate change. This is a challenge that concerns not only them, but also depends on a collective global effort to mitigate its effects and find viable solutions.
