Climate change in Senegal

Climate change in Senegal will have wide reaching impacts on the country. Senegal was not a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, contributing only 6/10ths of one ton of CO2 per capita -- or is 150th in the list of most emitting countries.[1]

Climate change has the potential to increase land degradation and exacerbate other environmental issues such as deforestation. Extreme drought and coastal erosion is expected to create food insecurity and other health concerns for a large portion of the population, where 70% of the population is employed in the agricultural industry.

Emissions

Senegal was not a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, contributing only ​6⁄10ths of one ton of CO2 per capita—or is 150th in the list of most emitting countries.[1]

Most energy in Senegal is produced through fossil fuel sources.[2] Historically, Senegal has not been a major producer of fossil fuels. However, major discoveries in natural gas, lead to a major increase in production by 2040.[3]

Environmental changes

West Africa is expected to be effected by climate change caused extreme weather.[4] Moreover, rainfall from 1921 to 2014 has a clear downward trend.[4] Climate modeling suggests that the average temperature in Senegal will increase between 3 and 4 degrees Celsius by 2050.[4] These forces combined together will likely increase Desertification in eastern Senegal, leading to expansion of the Sahara.[5]

Water resources

The main water resources in Senegal are dependent on rainfall. Rainfall deficits and increased variability due to climate change will likely reduce aquifer recharge rates. Major population centers are already seeing saltwater intrusion into aquifers and arable land. Sea level rise and decreased rainfall will exacerbate salinity issues.[6] As more saltwater intrusion happens, this will threaten fish stock in the country.[5]

Political action

In 2006, Senegal initiated a National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) as part of the larger trend to create National Adaptation Plans.[4][7] A National Committee on Climate Change was appointed by presidential degree to support the program.[4] Additional, there is a Climate Fund that is an instrument of climate finance.[6]

At the same time that these policies are in place, there is evidence that they are not fully being acted on. For example, an article in The Nation focused on climate justice described how a coal fire power plan was built in Bargny, Senegal, a site that had been identified by the government as a displacement location for communities displaced by sea level rise.[1]

Population displacement

Sea level rise is expected to displace a large percentage of Senegal's population.[1] Nearly 70% of the population lives in coastal zones.[1] The government is already moving communities in high-risk flood areas.[1]

Additionally nearly 90% of industry in Senegal is in that same coastal region. Extreme weather events and coastal flooding could jeopardize these major economic centers.[6]

Impact on agriculture
Main article: Agriculture in Senegal

Like in other parts of West Africa, the expected extreme weather including more severe drought is expected to greatly effect Food security and agricultural yields.[4] For example, some projections suggest a 20% reduction in the growing period in 2020.[4]

Since agriculture employs 70% of the population of Senegal, the sustainable development focused Emerging Senegal Plan focuses on this planning.[4]

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References
  1. Judt, Daniel (2019-09-24). "In Senegal, Climate Change Is Robbing Thousands of Their Homes". ISSN 0027-8378. Retrieved 2020-04-22.
  2. "Power Africa in Senegal | Power Africa | U.S. Agency for International Development". www.usaid.gov. 2020-04-16. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
  3. "Senegal Energy Outlook – Analysis". IEA. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
  4. "Senegal factsheet: Climate information and agricultural planning". 2016report.futureclimateafrica.org. Retrieved 2020-04-22.
  5. "Senegal | UNDP Climate Change Adaptation". www.adaptation-undp.org. Retrieved 2020-04-22.
  6. "Climate Risk Profile: Senegal". Climatelinks. USAID. Retrieved 2020-04-22.
  7. "National Adaptation Plans in focus: Lessons from Senegal | UNDP Climate Change Adaptation". www.adaptation-undp.org. Retrieved 2020-04-22.
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