This document summarises the important messages from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC's) 2019 Special Report on 'The Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate' for African decision-makers. It focuses on enabling ocean and cryosphere preservation with early and effective action. The document distils material available on Africa from the Special Report and compiles them in a thorough and informative brief that covers key messages for ensuring African productivity and development.
Some of the key messages include:
- Climate change driven by human activity is changing the temperature and chemistry of the oceans.
- These changes harm marine life and people who depend on it.
- Sea level rise and other climate hazards increasingly affect Africa.
- The frozen lands in the high mountains of Africa are changing, with implications for society.
- The best way to limit changes in the oceans and cryosphere is to mitigate climate change.
- Early action reduces climate risks and costs less than dealing with future damages.
- Future-proofing coastal development will be essential.
- Environmental governance and management must join up across scales and address social issues.
- Communications, education, and capacity building are critical.