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Climate change in the Gambia

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Köppen climate classification map for the Gambia for 1980–2016
2071–2100 map under the worst climate change scenario. Mid-range scenarios are currently considered more likely[1][2][3]

Climate change in the Gambia is having impacts on the natural environment and people of The Gambia.[4] Like other countries in West Africa, the impacts of climate change are expected to be varied and complex. Climate change adaptation is going to be important to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the country.[4][5]

Impacts on the natural environment

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The Sahel climate makes the eco region particularly vulnerable to changes in water.[5] Climate change is expected to increase or make more severe windstorms, floods, droughts, and coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion.[5][6]

Temperature and weather changes

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Impacts on people

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Economic impacts

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Further information: Economy of the Gambia

Agriculture is 26% of the GDP and employs 68% of the labor force.[5] Much of the agriculture is rain fed, so changes in precipitation will have significant impacts.[5] In 2012, drought plus increased food prices led to a food crisis in the region.[6] Rice farmers near the coast are also experiencing saltwater intrusion.[6]

Fisheries are also vulnerable, with changes to breeding grounds for coastal fishery species putting additional pressure on already unsustainable fishery practices.[5]

Infrastructure is already seeing major losses from flooding and windstorms. For example, urban floods in 2020 severely damaged at least 2371 houses, and destroyed crops.[5]

Mitigation and adaptation

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Policies and legislation

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The Gambia has published a Climate Change Priority Action Plan that focuses on 24 cross-sectoral activities.[7]

International cooperation

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United Nations Environment Programme started a $20.5 million project in partnership with the Government of Gambia to restore forests and marginal agricultural land.[8]

References

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  1. ^ Hausfather, Zeke; Peters, Glen (29 January 2020). "Emissions – the 'business as usual' story is misleading". Nature. 577 (7792): 618–20. Bibcode:2020Natur.577..618H. doi:10.1038/d41586-020-00177-3. PMID 31996825.
  2. ^ Schuur, Edward A.G.; Abbott, Benjamin W.; Commane, Roisin; Ernakovich, Jessica; Euskirchen, Eugenie; Hugelius, Gustaf; Grosse, Guido; Jones, Miriam; Koven, Charlie; Leshyk, Victor; Lawrence, David; Loranty, Michael M.; Mauritz, Marguerite; Olefeldt, David; Natali, Susan; Rodenhizer, Heidi; Salmon, Verity; Schädel, Christina; Strauss, Jens; Treat, Claire; Turetsky, Merritt (2022). "Permafrost and Climate Change: Carbon Cycle Feedbacks From the Warming Arctic". Annual Review of Environment and Resources. 47: 343–371. doi:10.1146/annurev-environ-012220-011847. Medium-range estimates of Arctic carbon emissions could result from moderate climate emission mitigation policies that keep global warming below 3°C (e.g., RCP4.5). This global warming level most closely matches country emissions reduction pledges made for the Paris Climate Agreement...
  3. ^ Phiddian, Ellen (5 April 2022). "Explainer: IPCC Scenarios". Cosmos. Archived from the original on 20 September 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023. "The IPCC doesn't make projections about which of these scenarios is more likely, but other researchers and modellers can. The Australian Academy of Science, for instance, released a report last year stating that our current emissions trajectory had us headed for a 3°C warmer world, roughly in line with the middle scenario. Climate Action Tracker predicts 2.5 to 2.9°C of warming based on current policies and action, with pledges and government agreements taking this to 2.1°C.
  4. ^ a b "Weathering the uncertainties of climate change in The Gambia". Africa Renewal. 2018-03-09. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Jaiteh, Malanding S.; Sarr, Baboucarr. Climate Change and Development in the Gambia (PDF) (Report) – via Columbia University.
  6. ^ a b c "What farmers in The Gambia are doing about climate change". ActionAid USA. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
  7. ^ "The Gambia". World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
  8. ^ Environment, U. N. (2018-02-06). "In The Gambia, building resilience to a changing climate". UN Environment. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
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