Global warming challenges African development.

• Position: Eightfold Rise in [CO.sub.2] in Fifty Years

Sharp increases in air and water pollution, land degradation, droughts and wildlife losses are facing Africa unless urgent action is taken to deliver environmentally-friendly development, states a report released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Growing populations, wars, high levels of national debt, natural disasters and disease have all taken their toll on the people and the rich natural environment of Africa in the past three decades. Over the coming three decades, new and emerging threats, including climate change, the unchecked spread of alien, introduced species, uncontrolled expansion of cities, and pollution from cars and industry, are likely to aggravate levels of poverty, environmental decline and ill-health.

Many African countries are attempting to address some of the root causes of environmental degradation through initiatives such as the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). But a far bigger effort within and outside the continent is needed to steer Africa on a prosperous, environmentally-sustainable course. Actions include deeper cuts in its debt burden, a boost in overseas aid, the empowering of local communities, enforcing environmental agreements, introducing green and clean technologies, and allowing African countries fair access to international markets for their goods and services. Without this, Africa is unlikely to develop in a way that benefits its people, landscapes and wildlife, and ultimately the world, states the Africa Environment Outlook, the most comprehensive and authoritative assessment of the continent's environment ever produced, compiled by UNEP for the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment.

Climate. Africa's people are heavily dependent on rain-fed agriculture. Records from 1900 show that its annual rainfall has been decreasing since 1968, possibly as a result of global warming due to man-made emissions. where is also evidence that natural disasters, particularly drought in the Sahel, have become more common and severe. Droughts and floods are increasing pressure on fragile lands, leading to the displacement of people and wildlife, adding to increased soil erosion and the silting up of rivers, dams and coastal waters. There canal so be severe economic consequences. In Uganda, record rains of 1997 destroyed 40 per cent of its 9,600-kilometre feeder road network. Between 1997 and 1998, a prolonged drought in Seychelles led to the closure of the Seychelles...