09/06/04

Namibian climate report predicts widespread woe

Copyright: M. Marzot/FAO

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Namibia is extremely vulnerable to climate change and faces a range of serious threats, according to its report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The report predicts "extreme" impacts on the water sector and human development in the country.

Climate change is also predicted to impact fish stocks and agriculture. Combined, these threats to food security and the economy raise the prospect of social conflict and displacement. And malaria, malnutrition, diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections are all predicted to increase in Namibia as a consequence of climate change.

The report, by the ministry of environment and tourism, is required of signatories to the convention. As well as highlighting risks, it details Namibia’s plans to mitigate or adapt to climate change — and what it needs in order to implement these plans.

Link to full news story in The Namibian