Somalia and other Horn of Africa countries are likely to experience elevated heat stress due to the effects of climate change, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in the region.

Apart from Somalia, other countries likely to experience this trend include Kenya, Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.

The region, which already faces recurring droughts, erratic rainfall, and food insecurity, will see an increase in heatwaves, extreme temperatures, and water scarcity.

These conditions could negatively impact agriculture, livestock, and human health, according to the latest report from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development Climate Prediction and Applications Center (ICPAC).

The organisation added that increased heat stress in Somalia could lead to more droughts, desertification, and displacement of people due to loss of livelihoods, especially in rural communities dependent on farming and herding.

This could further strain humanitarian aid and make it harder for governments and international organizations to address the region’s needs.

Governments in the region, along with global partners, are working to address climate resilience through reforestation efforts, adaptation strategies, and sustainable water management, but these efforts face significant challenges given the scale of the climate crisis in the Horn of Africa.