The Interdependent Relation Between Climate Change And Social Vulnerability: The Case Of Africa

Abstract

Abstract

Climate change is a global crisis on several levels: it affects the social, environmental, economic, ecological and humanitarian aspects. The intertwining of these aspects means that dealing with this crisis requires the close involvement of several actors, most notably humans, as they are the trigger and at the same time the victim. Related climate research accumulated over the past decades has clearly shown that human activity and industrialisation, strongly driven by energy use, contribute significantly to global climate change, as well as to the frequent outbreak of natural disasters that has affected the availability of basic needs (food and water) that are becoming increasingly scarce and difficult to obtain. This increases the risk of violence and conflict that can be triggered by their scarcity, and the inequalities that can result, especially for women and children. This work aims to highlight the intertwined relationship between climate change and social vulnerability in the case of Africa, its consequences and the remedies that can be identified.

Keywords: climate change, energy, conflict, social vulnerability, natural resources.