Rising temperatures and sea levels, shifting rain patterns, and more severe weather events are impacting health and security risks, food and water security, and socio-economic development in Africa. The increasing frequency and severity of floods are damaging critical infrastructure. This exacerbates the vulnerabilities of individuals with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) who rely on consistent access to healthcare facilities. Concurrently, socio-economic disruptions caused by climate change are fuelling displacement, widening economic disparities, and contributing to the rise of infectious diseases and armed conflicts in Africa.
This blog explores the links between climate change, health, and security. It highlights the urgent need for strategies to mitigate these impacts, especially for organisations operating in areas most affected by climate change.
How does Climate Change Affect Non-Communicable Diseases?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs account for 74% of all deaths worldwide1 , increasingly becoming the leading cause of mortality in the WHO African Region. Climate change exacerbates the burden of NCDs in several ways:
- Healthcare access: Individuals with NCDs face significant challenges in accessing regular medical follow-ups. Floods and storms damage infrastructure, making travel to healthcare facilities difficult or impossible. This can lead to missed appointments and delayed treatments, exacerbating health conditions over time. Additionally, these weather events can disrupt healthcare services, leaving patients without the necessary medical care and medications they need to manage their conditions.
- Heatwaves: Increased temperatures lead to more frequent and severe heatwaves, exacerbating cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. According to our observations, extreme heatwaves in regions like the Sahel have already led to significant health crises. When temperatures soar, the human body struggles to regulate its internal temperature, putting immense strain on the heart and lungs. For individuals with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease or asthma, this can be life-threatening.
- Air pollution: Climate change contributes to worsening air quality, which is linked to respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to the British Heart Foundation, air pollutants travelling deep to the lungs and heart via the bloodstream can increase the risk of heart and circulatory diseases.
- Food insecurity: Changes in rainfall patterns and increased droughts affect food production, leading to malnutrition and food insecurity, which can worsen conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
The impact of these challenges could result in higher absenteeism rates and reduced productivity for organisations whose employees suffer from NCDs. While the health challenges linked to climate change are notable, so are the security impacts, which should also be considered. Organisations will need to factor in the effects of climate change on the security environment in the regions where they operate or plan to operate.
How does Climate Change Affect the Security Landscape in Africa?
In our recent Insight Report, we outline that sub-Saharan Africa already is and will be vulnerable to climate change due to fragile governance systems, weak infrastructure and the population’s reliance on natural resources for livelihood. The challenges we foresee are:
- Increased crime and militancy: Criminal and militant groups will take advantage of the loss of livelihood of populations to recruit members, providing them with alternative economic activities. Militant groups will be encouraged to extend their influence and reach by offering disaster relief services. In cities, the economic disparity among populations will also result in petty and opportunistic crimes.
- Unrest and communal tensions: As agriculture becomes less productive, people will move from rural areas to cities, rapidly increasing urban populations. This growth will strain already pressured essential services, likely leading to public unrest. Our report also highlights that competition over natural resources in places most affected by climate change will result in an increase in communal clashes.
- Logistical and resource disruptions: Floods and landslides will damage weak infrastructure and transport networks, causing logistical disruptions. Droughts will lead to more frequent and prolonged water and electricity shortages, especially in regions dependent on hydroelectric power.
Our Recommendations for Combatting the Health and Security Impacts of Climate Change:
- Evaluating impact and identifying vulnerabilities: We recommend conducting thorough risk assessments to understand how climate trends in areas of your business activities could impact your operations, premises, and workforce. We are working with several organisations on adaptative measures tailored to their vulnerabilities. Get in touch with us here to explore a customised approach for your organisation.
- Climate threat assessment and monitoring: Managers should assess climate threats to their operations and stay informed of trends impacting the security environment. Regularly monitoring meteorological services, especially during rainy or cyclone seasons, is critical while ensuring your workforce can access timely weather information. Partnering with a reliable security provider can offer this valuable intelligence and accurate alerts for your people.
Our Workforce Resilience subscribers can access our security Insight Report via their portal.