The African Sahel region is grappling with significant and rapid climate change, having experienced droughts, famines, and extreme weather events since the drought of 1968-1975. These climate effects have severely impacted the lives of residents, with declines in water sources and vegetation cover leading to crop failures that the predominantly agrarian communities depend on. This has resulted in mass displacements and escalating conflicts, particularly between pastoralists and farmers, transforming disputes over vital resources into ethnic and religious confrontations, eventually escalating to open warfare.

The United Nations has issued stark warnings indicating that Sahel countries are at risk of decades of armed conflict and displacement due to rising temperatures and resource scarcity, coupled with food insecurity. Floods, droughts, and extreme heats are increasingly limiting access to food, water, and livelihoods, amplifying the potential for conflict among already stressed communities. This dire situation poses a significant risk not only to local populations but also to regional stability, as prolonged unrest could destabilize neighboring countries.

While industrialized nations are the primary contributors to global warming and severe climate changes, the African continent bears the brunt of these impacts, despite its limited contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. This underscores the urgency for global climate action and support for the vulnerable regions affected. The need for sustainable solutions that promote climate resilience and food security is essential for the Sahel to navigate through its current crossroads effectively.