Projections presented at the 5th African Regional Conference on Loss and Damage in Lilongwe show potential losses increasing to between 3% and 9% by 2030 and reaching as high as 16% by 2050.

The conference has brought together policymakers, researchers and climate experts from across the continent to discuss the escalating economic and social costs of climate change, as well as Africa’s negotiating position in global climate financing frameworks. The summit closes on Friday.

Malawi’s Natural Resources Minister Patricia Wiskes told delegates that climate change is directly undermining the country’s development prospects. She said the economic damage is already visible in reduced agricultural output, damaged infrastructure and the growing strain on public finances following repeated droughts, floods and cyclones.

“As Africa, we must have one negotiating voice,” Wiskes said. “We have the burden of having to deal with issues of climate change, yet these issues of greenhouse emissions are not propelled by Africans.”

She stressed that African countries contribute the least to global emissions but bear a disproportionate share of climate impacts. Wiskes said the Loss and Damage Fund established at recent global climate summits must start delivering tangible benefits to vulnerable African communities.

“We need to unite and speak with one voice to ensure that African countries begin now to benefit from this particular fund,” she said. “The Africans who have suffered loss and damage as a result of climate disasters must be able to receive compensation for the losses they have endured.”

–ChannelAfrica–