Somalia Faces Climate Crisis, but Hope Remains Amid Challenges
Somalia, often identified as one of the world's poorest and most conflict-stricken nations, is battling a multitude of challenges, including an Islamist insurgency, civil unrest, and regional disputes. Despite these struggles, Abdihakim Ainte, the Somali Prime Minister’s climate advisor, remains optimistic. He sees Somalia as a country full of potential, although climate change is intensifying the problems.
Climate Change: A "Chaos Multiplier"
Climate change is acting as a "chaos multiplier" in Somalia, worsening pre-existing tensions and conflicts. While the country contributes minimally to global emissions, the impacts of climate change here are severe. Somalia has emitted only as much carbon dioxide since the 1950s as the U.S. economy does in three days.
Agriculture, the backbone of Somalia's economy, is especially vulnerable. With two-thirds of the population reliant on farming and livestock, the nation has faced its worst drought in 40 years. This drought, which experts say is 100 times more likely due to climate change, has left communities struggling for access to water and grazing land, fueling local disputes and sometimes violent conflict over these precious resources.
Conflict Over Resources
In Somalia’s rural areas, herders and farmers are directly affected by the shifting climate. For instance, Sheik Don Ismail, a farmer who lost all his camels due to the drought, described how the drying of wells and grazing lands devastated his livelihood. This scarcity of resources is driving farmers to defend their land, sometimes with force, escalating local disputes into violent confrontations.
Beyond drought, flooding is another critical issue. In 2022, severe floods linked to climate change displaced over one million Somalis and destroyed critical farmland, further deepening the country's vulnerability to food insecurity. The United Nations estimates that more than 1.5 million Somali children under five are acutely malnourished.
A Humanitarian Crisis
The intertwining crises of climate change and conflict have displaced about four million Somalis, many of whom live in makeshift camps. These refugees face significant challenges, including the need to pay for food, water, and rent despite their dire circumstances. International aid is scarce, with Somalia’s humanitarian needs largely overshadowed by global conflicts elsewhere.
The lack of support is troubling, as Somalia needs at least $1.6 billion to meet basic humanitarian needs, but only $600 million has been pledged by international donors. In this environment of scarcity, some refugees turn to joining militias for survival, creating a vicious cycle of violence.
Signs of Hope
Despite these grim realities, there are positive developments in Somalia. Local initiatives, such as investments in renewable energy, are helping communities reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. The National Energy Corporation of Somalia (NECSOM), for example, has been investing in wind and solar power, seeing these sources as more cost-effective than diesel generators.
Entrepreneurship is also thriving in some parts of Somalia. In refugee camps like Garowe, individuals like Amina Osman Mohamed have started small businesses to support their families. Amina, a café owner, has managed to provide for her sick husband and 11 children by building a small but successful business.
The Path Forward
Abdihakim Ainte’s optimism is rooted in the resilience of the Somali people and their willingness to adapt to a changing climate. However, Somalia will need sustained international support to continue on its path toward peace and climate resilience. Addressing the climate crisis in fragile states like Somalia is not just about reducing emissions but also about ensuring these nations can build resilience and adapt to the changes they face.
Somalia’s challenges are immense, but the hope for a brighter future remains strong.
