Images published this week by NASA’s climate change group provide a dramatic look at how climate change, over the course of a few short years, has shaped our world today.
Given that one of my majors is African Studies, I am particularly interested in how climate change affects geology and society in African countries. NASA’s photos depict a whiting event, presumably caused by chemical changes in Lake Kivu in central Africa. This may be due, in part, to human influence on the climate and is troubling because the massive lake is the source of sustenance for many living around it, providing drinking water, fish, and a transportation route for nearly two million people (NASA, 2016).
Further, NASA’s images captured the effects of an unusually strong tropical disturbance in Mozambique, which caused heavy rainfall and consequent flooding in areas around the Licungo and other rivers. These events, in addition to others not captured in the photos published by NASA this week, are very concerning in light of population growth and coastal development in many African countries. Like many other developing areas in the world, African countries are increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters. Given the dependence of many Africans on coastal ecosystems for their livelihoods and well-being, it is particularly concerning that coastal flooding will increase in the future, posing a great dilemma for countries who already exhibit difficulty in supporting their growing populations.
Additionally, with increased risk of climate change-induced severe weather events, I am especially concerned about how flooding may exacerbate health issues posed by already-destitute sanitation in many coastal African countries. With increased coastal flooding, we may see higher rates of malaria; as the anopheles mosquito (the vector for malaria) thrives in areas with a high population density and stagnant water; and other associated vector-borne illnesses.
I am excited to learn more about coastal processes throughout this course and to connect my learning with my prior understanding of Africa and the world. I hope you all have a great week and I look forward to reading your reflections!
References:
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=87931
https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/climate-change/climate-change-affects-shown-in-nasa-images-highlight-drastic-impact/news-story/0d03453643648bd96ff4e4cc5af0221b
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