ACTIVITY 1
1.1. Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow:
Climate Change
Over the years we have seen communities being severely affected by the effects of climate change,
which has depleted Africa’s natural resource base over time. Climate change in Africa now poses a
real threat that could potentially reverse the developmental gains achieved by African countries over
the years. Most of Africa’s population is highly vulnerable to climate change effects.
1.1. State any five (5) negative effects of climate change.
Five Negative Effects of Climate Change
Climate change has several detrimental effects on both the environment and human populations,
particularly in vulnerable regions such as Africa. These effects disrupt ecosystems, human health,
and economic activities. Key negative impacts include:
Rising Global Temperatures: One of the most noticeable effects of climate change is the
increase in global temperatures. This causes more frequent and intense heatwaves, which
severely impact agriculture, ecosystems, and human health. These high temperatures also
increase the frequency of wildfires, which devastate both natural habitats and human
settlements (EED2601, 2020).
Shifts in Rainfall Patterns: Changes in rainfall patterns are another significant consequence
of climate change. Erratic and unpredictable rainfall can result in both droughts and floods,
leading to water scarcity in some areas and flooding in others. This unpredictability makes it
difficult for communities to plan for water use and manage their agricultural needs (EED2601,
2020).
Increased Frequency of Droughts and Floods: The frequency of droughts and floods has
risen as a result of climate change. In regions like Southern Africa, droughts have a serious
impact on water resources, which are critical for agriculture. On the flip side, floods cause
destruction to homes and infrastructure, leading to displacement and economic losses
(EED2601, 2020).
Threats to Agricultural Productivity and Food Security: Climate change poses a direct
threat to agricultural productivity by reducing crop yields due to extreme weather conditions
and inconsistent rainfall. This not only affects the availability of food but also undermines food
security for communities that rely heavily on farming for their livelihoods (EED2601, 2020).
Spread of Diseases: Warmer temperatures associated with climate change also create more
favorable conditions for the spread of diseases. For example, the range of malaria-carrying
mosquitoes has expanded as a result of rising temperatures, exposing populations to new health
risks (EED2601, 2020).