Climate change is not a future problem – it’s a present crisis for Malawi & the world

If you have not heard about climate change, then you must be new to this planet, because its impact is undeniable. Although many are reluctant to discuss it, its effects are visible to all, even to those who dismiss the issue. Like air, it cannot be seen or touched, but its consequences are all around us.

Climate change is angering Mother Nature, and when she is angry, villages, towns, and countries lose lives and livelihoods. This crisis therefore demands our full attention for it has already claimed the lives of many who could have contributed to the growth of our communities.

In Malawi, the story of climate change is written in the dry, cracked earth where crops once flourished and in the eyes of farmers who helplessly watch as their livelihoods vanish.

The unpredictable weather patterns have brought both severe droughts and devastating floods, leaving communities in a perpetual state of recovery. Agriculture, the backbone of Malawi’s economy, is under threat along with the food security of millions.

The 2023-2024 rainy season in Malawi has severe climate impacts, including prolonged droughts in districts like Karonga and Machinga, while others faced devastating floods due to Cyclone Freddy.

These extreme weather events caused crop damage, and loss of life, and reduced food production leading to an increase in food insecurity. This has had an effect on the country’s economy and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, many of whom are now struggling with mounting debts and unmet basic needs.

A report by Oxfam also highlights that Malawi faced its largest Cholera outbreak on record, claiming over 1,200 lives, worsened by the flooding. These are lives that could have contributed to the country’s development, but tragically, they were lost to a preventable crisis.

The combined efforts of the government, private sector, and citizens in Malawi to mitigate climate change issues are commendable in some areas but fall short of addressing the magnitude and urgency of the challenges facing the country.

Climate change is not a challenge exclusive to Malawi; it is a global issue. Reports from the International Monetary Fund show that in Kenya for example, agriculture, which heavily relies on rainfall has been disrupted, affecting food security and livelihoods.

Similarly, Tanzania has experienced more frequent and severe floods and droughts fueled by the El Niño weather conditions threatening its agricultural sector. Even in India and the U.S., extreme weather events like devastating floods and heat waves reveal the worldwide reach of climate change.

The question of who is responsible for climate change is not simple and often sparks debates. Some blame industrialised nations for their long histories of fossil fuel consumption, while others point to rapidly developing economies and their growing carbon footprints.

However, the uncomfortable truth is that nearly everyone contributes to this global crisis. Whether through the energy we consume, the food we waste, or the forests we destroy, each of us plays a part. Climate change and the requisite climate action are no longer the concerns of a few; these are issues that require the collective responsibility of all humanity.

This is why the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) holds the Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings each year to bring nations together to negotiate and implement policies aimed at mitigating global warming, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting environmental sustainability.

During these meetings, countries review their progress on climate agreements like the Paris Agreement and set new targets for reducing emissions and limiting global temperature increases.

One noteworthy achievement of COP is the improvement of national commitments. For example, at COP26 in 2021, countries were urged to update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to include more ambitious carbon reduction goals, with a focus on achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century.

The ongoing COP29 meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, is tackling various climate and environmental challenges, to address the ongoing crisis.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on world leaders to act urgently, stressing the need for deep emissions cuts, increased climate finance, and enhanced protection for vulnerable populations. This is commendable and a huge step in the right direction, but individual countries must ensure they set and implement policies that address these challenges effectively.

In countries like Malawi, where many live below the poverty line, struggling to survive on less than a dollar a day, addressing climate change requires a paradigm shift. For many, sustainable cooking methods such as gas or electricity are unaffordable. As a result, they rely on firewood and charcoal for cooking, contributing to deforestation – a major driver of climate change.

This vicious cycle highlights the urgent need for accessible, sustainable energy alternatives to reduce the environmental impact and improve living conditions for vulnerable populations. If we promote the use of affordable, sustainable solutions such as eco-friendly charcoal briquettes, Malawi and the world can address both the energy crisis and environmental challenges, helping protect the land for future generations while at the same time, reducing the impacts of climate change.

As Ted Turner pointed out, “While the climate change problem can sometimes seem overwhelming, we can turn things around – but we must move beyond climate talk to climate action.”