ADDIS ABABA (SD) -According to the Climate Forecasting Center (ICPAC) of the IGAD regional organization, increasing heat levels are being warned to cause severe heat in several countries in the Horn of Africa.
In its latest climate forecast report, ICPAC indicated that at least six countries will face extreme temperatures. These countries include Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, parts of Eritrea, Ethiopia, and northwest and eastern Kenya.
The areas predicted to experience extreme heat include central and southern Somalia. Temperatures are expected to rise by up to 38 degrees in some countries, hotter than previously forecasted.
The Horn of Africa is facing severe climate conditions, droughts, and heavy rains due to climate change. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and IGAD have stated that climate change has led to food shortages, with around 67 million people in the Horn of Africa at risk of famine.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has indicated that approximately $49 billion is needed to assist those affected by climate change worldwide.
Somalia, which may be among the poorest countries in the world devastated by conflict, is seen as a “manageable” situation, according to a senior climate official.
After more than 30 years of conflict, Somalia has fallen further down the list of countries prioritized globally. The challenges it faces appear to stem from urgent conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Gaza. The UN estimates that Somalia requires at least $1.6 billion (around £1.2 billion) to address its humanitarian needs this year, but so far, only $600 million has been pledged by donor countries.
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