1.63 million people could be trapped in poverty in Côte d’Ivoire by 2050: Report
A World Bank Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) for Côte d’Ivoire has projected that the West African country risks losing 1.63 million of its population to poverty if the effects of climate change in the country are not tackled.
The country with an estimated population of 27 million people is suffering the harsh impact of climate change with rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns and sea-level rise. Coastal areas have been degraded as a result, while flooding and pollution affect the livelihoods of many Ivorian citizens.
According to the report, businesses are suffering the brunt of climate change which has affected revenue, cost and investments.
Côte d’Ivoire risks seeing key economic sectors, cocoa and energy sectors underperform and real GDP reducing to about 13% by 2050.
The World Bank notes that urban expansion in the country is leading to increasing climate change impact and affecting economic productivity.
The report further estimated the cost of climate change action for the country at $22 billion or an annual average cost of about 2%.
The international financial institution has therefore called for scaled-up efforts to address the growing pace of climate change in the country by tackling deforestation and reforming the cocoa value chain.
There’s also the need to reform regulatory, institutional and climate-related foundations to address the issue while mobilising the private sector to play a more significant role in climate adaptation and mitigation.
