Title: African glaciers facing their inevitable disappearance: a call to action
Introduction :
African glaciers, long overlooked, are today faced with an alarming reality: their imminent disappearance. Due to global warming, these jewels of Africa are destined to melt in the coming decades. However, this sad reality is not inevitable. The One Polar Summit, currently taking place in Paris, brings together experts and policymakers to raise awareness of the fragility of polar ice, including African glaciers. This event is an opportunity to launch a call to protect these unique ecosystems and to act quickly to slow global warming.
The African continent and its little-known glaciers:
Few people know it, but Africa is still home to around thirty glaciers spread across Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and Tanzania, notably on Mount Kilimanjaro. These tropical glaciers, legacies of the last ice age, are generally located at high altitudes, more than 5000 meters, far from the hot temperatures of savannahs and tropical jungles. They are therefore relatively protected from the harmful effects of the climate.
The condemnation of African glaciers in the face of global warming:
Unfortunately, despite their high altitude location, African glaciers are not spared the consequences of global warming. According to the WMO, the United Nations meteorological agency, these glaciers are condemned to disappear within twenty years. Some, like the glaciers of Mount Kenya, could even melt much earlier, within the next ten years. Deforestation plays a major role in this accelerated disappearance. Indeed, by causing the reduction of vegetation around glaciers, it dries out the mountains and reduces precipitation, thus contributing to their rapid melting.
A call to protect African glaciers and take action for the climate:
The One Polar Summit, which takes place in Paris, is an opportunity to highlight the vulnerability of African glaciers. The experts and political leaders present underline the urgency of action to preserve these fragile ecosystems, but also to fight against global warming on a global scale. The closing of the event will be marked by the broadcast of an “Appeal from Paris on the poles and glaciers”, highlighting the need for collective action. The consequences of melting glaciers extend far beyond the borders of the regions concerned, threatening coastal areas and access to drinking water.
Conclusion :
The imminent disappearance of African glaciers is a warning for the entire planet. This reminds us of the urgency of fighting global warming and preserving these unique ecosystems. The One Polar Summit and the call launched in Paris are powerful reminders of the need to act quickly and collectively. By protecting African glaciers, we are also protecting our future and that of future generations. It is time to act to preserve these wonders of nature and to build a more ecological future.