Africa contributes around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions yet remains one of the regions most severely affected by climate change. Intensifying heatwaves, floods, drought, disease outbreaks and worsening food insecurity continue to affect millions of people across the continent — consequences of a crisis Africa did little to create.

In this article, published by The Conversation, Professor Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi, Director of Lancet Countdown Africa argues that Africa’s decades of experience managing climate volatility hold valuable lessons for the rest of the world.

Drawing on research across Tanzania, Zimbabwe and South Africa, Professor Mabhaudhi highlights how indigenous knowledge, integrated water-energy-food management and community-based approaches have shaped practical and lasting climate solutions. He argues that Africa has the scientific capacity, lived experience and institutional foundations to lead global conversations on climate and health, rather than remaining on the back foot.

The article also calls for greater investment in African-led climate and health research, stronger early warning systems and financing mechanisms that support long-term development rather than emergency response cycles.

Read the full article published by The Conversation