Climate Change Intensifies Drought in East Africa

Results from a study by an international team of scientists indicate that the recurring droughts in East Africa, caused by human-induced climate change, have worsened. According to the Associated Press, this report was presented by a group of scientists eager to quickly determine whether certain extreme weather events were influenced by climate change. This group, consisting of 19 scientists from seven countries, has assessed how climate change affects rainfall in the region. Joyce Kimutai, a senior meteorologist at the Kenya Meteorological Department, stated, "Climate change has led to reduced rainfall in the region. Climate change has made drought exceptional." The scientists found through analysis of historical weather data that the long rainy season - between March and May - has been drying up, while the short rainy season - usually from October to December - has become wetter due to climate change. They described the experience of drought in the region as "unique." As climate change continues to exacerbate drought in the "Horn of Africa," scientists acknowledge that previous unsuccessful and low-rainfall seasons, high temperatures, war and conflict, weak and vulnerable governments, poverty, and misery have also contributed to the "devastating impacts" in this region. The United Nations has reported that over 20 million people in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, and South Sudan are affected by drought, with more than 2.2 million displaced in Somalia and Ethiopia, and serious risks threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands of pregnant or breastfeeding women. Food security experts believe that development gains in these countries with a long history of natural disasters, famine, and disease have been neutralized. They say that the food situation in these dry areas has been somewhat alleviated by increased funding and food distribution from governments and humanitarian organizations, but much work remains to address food challenges.