Episode 93: Global Warming at the Equator

Otherwise?

Much of the conversation about global warming and climate change focuses on the Earth’s poles and the areas outside the tropics. We understand that ice caps and glaciers are melting. However, it is urgent that we understand the effects of global warming in the tropics in general, and at the equator in particular. Normal temperature ranges in the tropics fall within a narrower range than those outside them, so any change will have more significant effects.

We’re joined by Jessica Mukiri, an Environmental Modeler at the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture, to discuss global warming at the equator, with a focus on Kenya. Which human activities make us more vulnerable to climate change? What are its effects in this region? And, how can we mitigate it? Press play to find out!

Resources

Effects of global warming

Special Report: Global Warming of 1.5 ºC

Climate Change: Why the Tropical Poor Will Suffer Most

Why Africa is particularly vulnerable to climate change

Vulnerability to Climate Change in Africa: Challenges and Recommendations for Africa

Africa is particularly vulnerable to the expected impacts of global warming

Global warming: Why Kenya is among countries at crossroads

Climate Risks, Vulnerability and Governance in Kenya: A review

Modeling Kenya's Vulnerability to Climate Change – A Multifactor Approach

Climate change making storms like Idai more severe, say experts

Cyclone Idai reveals the fundamental injustice at the heart of climate change

Analysis of Climate Change and Variability Risks in the Smallholder Sector

Climate Change and Health in Africa: Issues and Options

Climate Change Deadly Health Risk and Global Health Opportunity – Lancet Commission

Climate drivers of vector-borne diseases in Africa and their relevance to control programmes

Climate change and population health in Africa: where are the scientists?

Herders: Why we invade Laikipia ranches

Are Kenya ranch invasions driven by drought or politics?

Rapid Range Shifts of Species Associated with High Levels of Climate Warming

Climate change could force huge migrations for people and animals living near the equator

Global warming, elevational ranges and the vulnerability of tropical biota

Migration and Climate Change

UN compact recognizes climate change as driver of migration for first time

Study finds that global warming exacerbates refugee crises

Seeds of war: Global warming helped trigger Syria's bloody civil war

Climate change and the Syrian civil war revisited

Making the Links: Refugees, Climate Change, and Poverty

Who takes responsibility for the climate refugees?

Climate Justice for a Changing Planet: A Primer for Policy Makers and NGOs

Image Credit: Ventures Africa