TPI Replay: What Climate Change Means for the Horn of Africa, With Michelle Gavin

Climate change impacts on the Horn of Africa

The Horn of Africa, comprised of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Sudan, and South Sudan, is experiencing the impact of climate change. The region has seen historic droughts, causing acute food insecurity for millions of people. Intense storms and flooding have also displaced populations. These changes in weather patterns have significant consequences for agriculture, which is a vital economic sector in the region. Conflicts over scarce resources, such as water and land, are exacerbated by climate change, leading to tensions between pastoral and agricultural communities. Additionally, the Nile waters present a potential source of dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt. The United States has a vested interest in addressing the challenges in the Horn of Africa, as a chaotic region could lead to refugee flows, provide opportunities for malign actors, and threaten global security.