African city mayor's climate change concerns

11 March 2009

Source: UNEP

Despite their relatively low contribution to global warming, African cities are being disproportionately affected by climate change and its effects, warn African city mayors.

This was one conclusion that emerged from a UN-HABITAT hosted conference of African mayors capital cities held in Nairobi in February.

Adam Kimbisa, the mayor of Dar es Salaam, observed that "Climate change did not start yesterday, and not in Africa. It started years ago, somewhere else" referring to Europe's 18th century Industrial Revolution.

Concern was expressed most vocally by the mayors of coastal cities such as Dar es Salaam, Moroni and Banjul, and small island states such as Comoros and Seychelles.

Samba Faal, the mayor of Banjul, capital of Gambia, observed that a 1m rise in sea level near his city would result in a 50% loss in landmass coverage, posing a serious threat to human settlements, health and food security

The impact of climate change is not confined to seaside cities. Mahamat Zène Bada, the mayor of Chad's capital N'djamena, noted that irregular rainfall patterns and deforestation had led to major flooding there in 1999, 2001 and 2008. The city is flanked by two rivers and most people rely on wood products for energy, causing deforestation.

Climate change is one of many problems afflicting African cities, emphasised Adam Kimbisa: "Our cities cannot cope with five to six percent population growth. We can't cope in education, housing, health or water. Our cities are overwhelmed."