Scorched and Submerged: How Climate Change Is Reshaping Africa’s Landscape

Last updated: May 10, 2025 12:13 am

In late March 2025, the private spaceflight sector reached a major milestone. SpaceX’s Fram2 mission, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, became the first crewed mission to achieve polar orbit—a trajectory that passes directly over the Earth’s poles, historically used only by reconnaissance or environmental satellites. The four-person crew was composed entirely of private astronauts: Maltese investor Chun Wang, cinematographer Jannicke Mikkelsen, robotics researcher Rabea Rogge, and polar explorer Eric Philips. During their four-day journey aboard the Crew Dragon capsule, they conducted 22 experiments related to human physiology and captured never-before-seen images of the Earth’s polar regions. One particularly striking outcome: the crew returned in excellent health and walked unassisted upon landing—a sign that commercial flight profiles may soon support even longer-duration missions . The Economic Lift-Off of Private Spaceflight The Fram2 mission underscores a profound transformation: space is no longer the sole domain of governments. With SpaceX, Axiom Space, Blue Origin, and others stepping in, a new multi-billion-dollar private space economy is emerging. Analysts at Morgan Stanley forecast the space economy could surpass $1 trillion by 2040, with space tourism and passenger travel alone representing $300 billion of that total. Lower launch costs—thanks to reusable rockets pioneered by SpaceX—and increasing investor interest are rapidly commercializing low-Earth orbit, according to Reuters. Private missions, like Fram2, also introduce alternative funding models. Instead of state budgets, missions may be bankrolled by private individuals or organizations in exchange for branding rights, research opportunities, or venture exposure. Technology That’s Fueling—and Fueled By—Space Tourism As space tourism becomes more frequent, the required technological advancements are transforming industries well beyond aerospace. Missions like Fram2 rely on AI-based diagnostics and navigation, lightweight composite materials, robotic assistants for microgravity experiments, and advanced crew monitoring and recovery protocols. These innovations are also being adapted for use in sectors like healthcare, autonomous vehicles, and defense systems, according to NASA. More futuristic developments are underway as well. SpaceX and other private entities are now collaborating on commercial space stations like Orbital Reef and Axiom Station, designed not only for science but also for tourism, media, and even manufacturing. The Future of Space Travel and Tourism Democratization or Stratification? At present, ticket prices for spaceflights still exceed $50 million per seat, available only to the ultra-wealthy. But as technology advances and competition increases, pricing is expected to fall, possibly following the trajectory of early commercial aviation, according to CNBC. This shift could eventually open the door to scientists, educators, filmmakers, and civilians from less privileged backgrounds. The space economy might democratize—or deepen global divides—depending on how infrastructure, subsidies, and regulatory norms evolve. A Global Ground Game: Spaceports and Supply Chains To support this new industry, governments and companies worldwide are racing to build spaceports and reentry hubs. The Federal Aviation Administration licensed 12 commercial spaceports in the U.S. alone in 2024, while the UAE, UK, and Australia have joined in with national programs to support launches and crewed missions. This expansion also feeds new opportunities across insurance, training, logistics, and hospitality—a ripple effect touching nearly every corner of the global economy. Human Resilience and Health Innovations Fram2's success in returning a healthy crew that could walk unassisted is more than a medical marvel—it could redefine rehabilitation and health protocols for future long-duration missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. There's already a push to apply insights from space medicine into telehealth, aging studies, and trauma recovery systems on Earth, according to Reuters. Ethical Frontiers in Space Commercialization As with any technological leap, private space exploration raises serious ethical questions. Who gets to access space? What are the ecological costs of rocket launches? Could lunar or Martian territories be unfairly claimed? Scholars are calling for a new ethical framework—one that blends scientific integrity, social responsibility, proportionality, and sustainability. A recent paper in Nature Communications argues for proactive guidelines around human subject research, environmental impacts, and equity in access. Without such frameworks, there’s a risk that the final frontier becomes a new venue for inequality, overreach, and ecological degradation. Final Note The Fram2 mission may go down in history as the Apollo moment for the commercial age—a proof-of-concept that private spaceflight is not only viable but potentially scalable. It also confirms that human spaceflight is on the verge of becoming an interdisciplinary, international, and investment-driven arena. Still, the future of space travel must be shaped by more than ambition. It will demand ethical foresight, regulatory coordination, and inclusivity, ensuring that this next great leap is not only profitable—but principled.

Africa, a continent with immense cultural, ecological, and economic diversity, is at a critical juncture. As climate change intensifies, its cascading effects threaten to upend lives, food systems, economies, and public health across the region. This isn’t just a looming crisis — it’s already here. The question now is: how long can Africa withstand the environmental and human pressure?

Climate Change and Africa’s Fragile Foundations

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has long classified Africa as one of the most vulnerable continents to climate change due to the interplay of environmental and socioeconomic stressors. Africa’s dependence on rain-fed agriculture — which contributes over 90% of food production in sub-Saharan regions — leaves millions exposed to erratic rainfall and shifting weather patterns. Projected climate shifts could lead to a 50% reduction in rain-fed agricultural productivity by 2080, potentially pushing tens of millions further into hunger and poverty, according to UNFCCC.

Agriculture, Food Security, and Water Scarcity

Africa’s agricultural backbone is under siege. In the Sahel region, for instance, desertification is rapidly advancing, transforming fertile land into unusable terrain. This is already evident in countries like Ethiopia, Sudan, and Chad, where declining soil quality and rainfall are leading to decreased crop yields and growing food insecurity. In contrast, East African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan are experiencing increased rainfall and devastating floods that displace communities and destroy infrastructure, according to ReliefWeb.

Meanwhile, southern and western Africa are contending with worsening water scarcity as rivers and aquifers continue to dry up. In many regions, clean drinking water is becoming increasingly inaccessible, especially in rural areas. Ironically, while some areas are experiencing drought, others suffer from flooding that contaminates water sources and fosters the spread of disease. These opposing water crises underscore the complex hydrological challenges the continent faces.

Coastal Erosion and the Crumbling Tourism Sector

Climate change is also wreaking havoc along Africa’s coasts. Countries such as Mozambique, Senegal, Nigeria, and Tanzania are witnessing the effects of rising sea levels, which threaten not only their environments but also economically vital sectors like tourism. The erosion of coastlines, the intrusion of saltwater into freshwater systems, and the degradation of marine ecosystems are not only displacing people but also threatening infrastructure and long-standing industries, according to a UNEP Coastal Erosion Study.

Popular tourist destinations like Zanzibar and Cape Verde, previously known for their pristine beaches and scenic coastlines, are now facing declining tourist numbers as beach erosion and climate vulnerability grow. For many coastal communities, this translates to job losses, diminished public revenue, and weakened resilience against future shocks.

Health: A Silent Casualty of a Changing Climate

Beyond the visible environmental and economic damage, the climate crisis is also unfolding as a significant public health emergency. Rising temperatures and unstable weather are creating ideal conditions for the spread of climate-sensitive diseases. Historical events like the 1997/98 El Niño episode were linked to widespread outbreaks of malaria, cholera, and Rift Valley fever in East Africa. Today, similar patterns are emerging with increasing frequency and scale.

In the Sahel belt, dry and dusty conditions are contributing to seasonal spikes in meningitis, while elsewhere, stagnant floodwaters are breeding grounds for cholera and dengue. The toll is especially heavy on children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, including those living with HIV/AIDS. As health systems in many African countries remain underfunded and overstretched, the rising health burden adds a layer of urgency to the climate conversation, according to a WHO Africa Climate Factsheet.

Most Affected Countries: The Climate Hotspots

Across the continent, certain countries have emerged as the epicenters of climate impacts. Mozambique, for example, has endured repeated cyclones in recent years, most notably Cyclone Freddy in 2023, which caused widespread destruction and displacements. In Ethiopia, prolonged droughts in southern regions have devastated crops and water supplies, contributing to growing humanitarian needs.

Sudan and South Sudan are experiencing both extremes of the climate spectrum — severe droughts in some regions and extreme flooding in others. Kenya, on the other hand, is grappling with unpredictable rainfall patterns that wreak havoc on farming cycles and water access. Nigeria’s densely populated coastal city of Lagos faces the dual threat of sea-level rise and heavy rains, endangering infrastructure and livelihoods. Zimbabwe, too, continues to experience increasingly erratic rainfall and frequent droughts, which hinder agricultural planning and hurt already fragile rural economies.

Adaptation: What’s Being Done?

Despite the severity of these challenges, many African countries are taking active steps to adapt and build resilience. Since the 1992 Earth Summit, African nations have introduced a range of adaptation strategies. These include the development of drought-resistant crop varieties, the expansion of agroforestry systems to improve soil fertility, and the implementation of integrated pest management techniques. Additionally, climate-smart agriculture — which focuses on sustainable, adaptive, and productive farming methods — is gaining traction across the continent.

Governments and communities are also investing in early warning systems to better prepare for extreme weather, as well as water harvesting technologies and solar-powered irrigation systems to maximize scarce water resources. These efforts are bolstered by large-scale initiatives such as the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP), which aims to mobilize $25 billion by 2025 to enhance adaptation capacity across the continent. However, these programs face a massive funding gap. According to the Climate Policy Initiative, Africa needs upwards of $100 billion annually in climate financing, but current flows remain well below that target.

A Final Note: At the Edge of a Tipping Point

So, will climate change break Africa’s back? The answer depends on the world’s commitment to solidarity and urgent action. Africa has already demonstrated resilience, innovation, and a willingness to confront the climate crisis head-on. However, the continent cannot — and should not — be expected to navigate these challenges alone.

Without robust international support, equitable climate financing, and a serious global effort to reduce emissions, Africa will face mounting pressures that could destabilize entire regions. Preventing this outcome isn’t just a matter of justice — it’s a global imperative, what happens in Africa will reverberate far beyond its borders.