Introductory Remarks at the Launch/Release of the State of the Climate in Africa Report 2024
Dear Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, friends, and partners.
It is truly a pleasure to welcome all of you here today. I would like to extend a warm and respectful salute to H.E. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment of the African Union Commission; Hon. Mike Elton Mposha MP, Minister of Green Economy and Environment of Zambia and Vice Chair of AMCOMET; Mr. Fetene Teshome, President of Regional Association I (Africa); and Dr. Aderito Celso Félix Aramuge, Vice President of Regional Association I.
I also welcome colleagues from the UN Economic Commission for Africa, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, and our valued international and regional partners. I extend my heartfelt thanks for your expertise and collaboration on the State of the Climate in Africa Report 2024.
The State of the Climate in Africa is one of a series of regional reports by the World Meteorological Organization to inform policies and planning, and strengthen our collective capacity for early warning and resilience.
This report is more than a publication; it is a compass which helps us track the climate trends which have such a major impact on Africa’s socio-economic wellbeing and the future of the continent. The report shows that Africa just had its warmest decade on record, with growing impacts from extreme heat. Sea surface temperatures are at record level and continuing sea level rise threatens coastal communities. Floods and droughts are disrupting and even destroying people’s lives, food security and health. Tropical cyclones are travelling further and intensifying faster than before. These are not distant problems — they are today’s reality.
Alongside the challenges, there are opportunities and African-led solutions which combine modern technology and rich indigenous knowledge. Africa is making progress in strengthening climate services and adaptation strategies. We commend the Africa Climate Policy Framework and are greatly encouraged by the commitment to the Early Warnings for All initiative. My message today is that we need to go further. We need to go faster. And we need to go together. We need to close the gaps in observation and data exchange. We must empower National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and ensure they have a seat at the decision-making table. We need a greater sense of urgency to improve and expand early warning systems.
Today I call on policymakers, development partners, and the private sector to use the insights from this report to inform and accelerate action and increase climate-smart investment. This is a moral and economic imperative.
I conclude by thanking you for your dedication and support. WMO this year celebrates its 75th anniversary under the theme Science for Action. Let us join together and build a safer, more prosperous and resilient Africa for future generations.
