Africa's Megacities Threatened By Heat, Floods and Disease - Urgent Action Is Needed to Start Greening and Adapt to Climate ChangeCities cover just 3% of the planet. But they emit 78% of all global greenhouse gas emissions, absorb 80% ofMeelan Thondoo is a medical anthropologist and environmental epidemiologist who researches the health impacts of climate change in cities of fast-developing countries.
Cities can adapt by creating new zoning regulations, by restoring wetlands to protect against floods, and by planning green infrastructure. Examples are Senegal'sand breakwaters and sand dunes in Dakar. These reduce the risk of flooding and erosion along its coastline. Another example is Accra, which is preparing for drought by setting up water conservation measures andabout the climate crisis will grow from between US$3.5 billion and US$12 billion today to US$20 billion per year by 2030.
Climate finance is needed to pay for adaptation measures in African cities. This would enable national and local governments to fund infrastructure upgrades, disaster response, public health initiatives, and climate change research and monitoring. Adaptation will save lives, and will also save money - an investment of US$280 billion by 2050 in adaptation measures couldfor cities in Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa and create 210,000 more new jobs than the same investment in fossil fuels would.
. These increase the urban green space, improve mental health, reduce urban heat island effects, improve air quality, and provide habitats for pollinators and wildlife. These roofs sequester carbon dioxide, reduce the energy needed to cool buildings, and absorb and retain rainwater. They provide a feeling of belonging for communities and a sense of empowerment for taking part in climate action.In African cities, the health impacts of climate change demand urgent attention.
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