Africa and climate change

Even though Africa’s contribution to climate change has been minor, it is exceptionally vulnerable to adverse changes in the environment. What precautions can be taken to minimize the risks?Based on evidence from the West African Sahel, this two-page opinion piece calls on governments and donors to strengthen local institutions, and allow for innovative ways of dealing with difficult times.Eight approaches to helping poorer countries address the inevitable impacts of changes to the climate are proposed, they include:invest in design of new and better energy systems in Africashare local experience with adaptation, as it can benefit those elsewheredeveloped countries should recognise their historic responsibility for climate change, and address problems of adaptation, particularly for African nationssignatories of the Kyoto agreement must abide by its conditions