Oceans and seas: Africa’s Frontier for Development Under Threat from Climate Change
Africa is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean. Of the 55 African states, 39
are coastal states having access to the continent’s 30,500KM long coastline.
Africa is also a continent that is blessed with several major rivers and lakes. The far-reaching significance of oceans and
seas to human life and planet earth is undisputed. Ocean generates about 50% of the oxygen we need, absorbs 30% carbon dioxide emissions and 90% of the excess heat generated by these emissions. For Africa, its oceans and seas are critical for
coastal livelihoods and economic activities. About 90% of Africa’s imports and exports are conducted by sea. The opportunities offered by the blue economy, be it fisheries, petroleum, tourism, maritime transport are huge.
Despite the benefits and opportunities, climate change (through sea level rise, storm surges, flooding) and human activity (through illegal overfishing, piracy, human and drug trafficking, rapid coastal population growth) pose considerable threats to Africa’s
Ocean ecosystems, coastal and marine tourism, maritime security and above all to the safety, survival, and protection of its children.
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