Welcome to the June 2020 edition of the Future Climate for Africa newsletter showcasing the recent highlights and work of FCFA.
Select HERE to view the full newsletterNews in Brief
East Africa faces triple crises of Covid-19, locusts and floods
The Covid-19 pandemic hits communities in East Africa that are already reeling from the worst locust outbreak in 70 years and record high water levels in Lake Victoria. HyCRISTALresearchers state that the combination of these disasters is not random, as the floods, lake level and locusts can all be linked to climate change. The combination of these disasters further increase vulnerability and reduce the ability of the population to engage in social distancing and to practise basic hygiene just as the Covid-19 crisis hits East Africa. Read more here.
Listening to the scientists – what can the climate change community learn from the relationship between science and policy in the Covid-19 crisis?
The Covid-19 crisis has put a spotlight on the global health science community. Rapid requests for scientific evidence about the virus have spread and health scientists have become more publicly prominent. The relation between science and policy seems to have reached a crossroads, challenging ever more the role that science plays or should play for society. This blog provides insights on how the climate change community can learn from the relationship between science and policy in the Covid-19 crisis.
Reflections from the first virtual Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF)
The 55th GHACOF ushered in a new era, being the first virtual forum since the start of GHACOF in 1998. Previous GHACOFs were conducted through face-to-face dialogue and learning between the providers and end-users of climate information. This forum should be viewed as a successful pilot, and any lessons learnt are highly valuable as future face-to-face GHACOFs may not be possible in the foreseeable future. Read the reflections from the first virtual GHACOFand HyCRISTAL’s blog on their contribution to the event.
Video – A story of a flood
The Urban WASH (Water and Sanitation and Hygiene) research team of HyCRISTAL spent time with a number of community groups in Kisumu and Kampala to discuss their experiences of flooding in the urban areas where they live. Drawing from these accounts of lived flood experiences, HyCRISTAL produced a short animated video. This video was produced to inform viewers about the reality of what flooding is like for people who live in affected cities in East Africa, and while it may not be 100% accurate for everyone in these places, there should be significant relatable elements for those experiencing regular seasonal flooding in Kisumu and Kampala. Watch the video here.
Webinar: Malawi’s Climate & Hydrological Futures: How can we improve the use of information for a climate-resilient Malawi?
In this webinar, researchers from UMFULA will discuss results emerging from decision-making under uncertainty approaches that combine stakeholder engagement with water resources modelling to explore future risks and the ability of risk management options to support resilient decision-making in Malawi. Speakers will also share insights from engagement with stakeholders across the tea sector in Malawi on generation of site-specific future climate information that could help in selecting appropriate adaptation strategies. The webinar will take place on 7 July at 12:00pm – 1:15pm (BST). Register here.If you want to find out more about FCFA, watch our 2 minute introductory video and page through our brochure in English, French or Portuguese. Want to keep up to date with FCFA news and share your ideas with us? Follow FCFA on Twitter: @future_climate
