BY RFLD
Climate change is an urgent global concern that poses significant threats to ecosystems, livelihoods and human well-being. Guinea Bissau, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. As temperatures rise, rainfall patterns change and sea levels continue to rise, Guinea Bissau faces a range of challenges, including environmental degradation, food insecurity, coastal erosion and biodiversity loss.
This article examines the effects of climate change in Guinea Bissau, highlighting the various impacts on the environment, human health, agriculture, infrastructure and socio-economic sectors. It also explores the need for adaptation strategies, mitigation efforts and international cooperation to address Guinea-Bissau’s urgent climate crisis.
The causes of climate change in Guinea Bissau are the same as those of climate change worldwide. These causes are human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases act as a blanket around the Earth, trapping heat and causing temperatures to rise. The main sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Guinea-Bissau include: the burning of fossil fuels, such as oil, coal and natural gas, for energy production. Deforestation, which releases carbon stored in trees. Agriculture, which releases methane and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere. Guinea-Bissau is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The country is located in the tropical zone, where temperatures are already high and rainfall irregular. These climatic conditions make the country more susceptible to the impacts of climate change, such as droughts, floods and rising sea levels.
The effects of climate change in Guinea-Bissau are already visible. The country has experienced rising temperatures, falling rainfall and an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. These changes are having a negative impact on the country’s environment, economy and society.
Rising temperatures and heat waves are two of the most visible effects of climate change. These phenomena have major impacts on the environment and human health. Rising temperatures mean an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods and forest fires. These events can have devastating consequences for the environment, damaging ecosystems and biodiversity. Rising temperatures can also lead to changes in the composition of ecosystems, with the disappearance of some species and the arrival of others. Tropical forests, for example, are particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures, as they are adapted to hot, humid climatic conditions. Rising temperatures could lead to the disappearance of part of these forests, with major consequences for biodiversity.
Droughts are one of the most serious effects of climate change in Guinea-Bissau. These prolonged droughts can lead to food shortages, loss of livestock and forced migration. Guinea-Bissau has experienced several severe droughts in recent decades, notably in 1973, 1983 and 2012. The 2012 drought was particularly devastating, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people and the loss of millions of dollars worth of property.
Flooding is another major effect of climate change in Guinea-Bissau. These floods can cause damage to infrastructure, loss of life and disease. Guinea-Bissau has experienced several major floods in recent decades, notably in 2003, 2010 and 2022. The flood of 2022 was the worst in the country’s history, causing the death of hundreds of people and the destruction of thousands of homes. Forest fires are also a growing problem in Guinea-Bissau. These fires can cause damage to forests, wildlife and the environment.
Heat waves are a major risk to human health. They can lead to death, illness and social disruption. The elderly, the chronically ill and children are particularly vulnerable to heat waves. Elderly people have weaker immune systems and are therefore more likely to develop heat-related illnesses. People with chronic illnesses, such as heart or lung disease, may find their condition worsens during heat waves. And children are more likely to suffer from hyperthermia, a potentially fatal condition that occurs when body temperature reaches dangerous levels.Heat waves can also lead to social disruption, such as school and business closures.
The effects of climate change are also having a negative impact on Guinea-Bissau’s economy. Droughts and floods can disrupt agricultural production and tourism. These disruptions can lead to loss of income and employment. Sea-level rise is another major threat to Guinea-Bissau’s economy. The country’s coastline is particularly low-lying and vulnerable to sea-level rise. Rising sea levels could lead to flooding of inhabited and agricultural coastal areas, as well as the loss of natural resources such as fish and mangrove forests.
The effects of climate change are also having a negative impact on Guinea-Bissau society.
Droughts, floods and forced migration can lead to increased poverty, hunger and conflict. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Women are often responsible for food production and child-rearing. Droughts and floods can make these tasks more difficult, leading to increased poverty among women.
Children are also more vulnerable to disease and malnutrition linked to climate change.
Mitigation measures are actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. These measures are essential to protect the environment and society in Guinea-Bissau.
Mitigation measures in Guinea-Bissau include:
- The promotion of renewable energy, such as solar and hydroelectric power. These energy sources do not produce greenhouse gases.
- Improving energy efficiency, for example by insulating buildings and using energy-saving appliances. These measures can reduce energy demand, which in turn can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- The promotion of sustainable agriculture, which can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from farming.
- Protecting forests, which absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The government of Guinea-Bissau has taken appropriate steps to promote mitigation measures. These include the implementation of a national energy and climate plan, the promotion of renewable energy and the protection of forests.
However, these measures are insufficient to meet the country’s needs. Guinea-Bissau needs international support to implement more ambitious mitigation measures. The effects of climate change in Guinea-Bissau are already visible and have worsened in recent decades. Droughts, floods, rising sea levels and other extreme weather events are having negative impacts on the country’s environment, economy and society.
Adaptation measures are essential to help Guinea-Bissau cope with the effects of climate change. These measures include promoting sustainable agriculture, building dykes and dams, and raising public awareness of the risks of climate change.
