Climate and Environmental Risk Action: A Call for Fresh Commitments to Adaptation and Resilience in West African Sub-Region

Abstract

Problem of capacity to adapt and build resilience against climate and environmental risks has become a major source of concern globally. However, poorer regions and countries where substantial proportions of the people depend more on natural capital are generally more at risk. West Africa is a region known to have experienced major environmental changes in the last half century. Therefore, using evidences from the literature, this chapter examines climate and other environmental problems that have created challenges to agriculture and food security, water resources, health, energy and infrastructural development. We highlight the potential for adaptation and building resilience, while also emphasising the need to develop appropriate adaptation and risk management strategies built on proper understanding of dimensions of exposure and vulnerability. Among other recommendations, this chapter accentuates the need for raising climate and environmental risk awareness among the populace, sustainable management and use of natural resources, development of weather information and early warning systems and stronger transnational cooperation to address climate and other environmental risk impacts.