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Abstract
Studies affirm that developing countries will be hardest it by the dynamics of climate change given
that they have to contend with extreme poverty levels and waning levels of economic growth.
Climate variability will impact on water resources, land, forests and ecosystems, all of which will
threaten livelihoods and food security. In developing countries the effects of climate change will
manifest as increased and deeper exposure to vulnerabilities, with the previously attained
development gains being compromised. Together these factors will impact on the achievement of the
MDGs. Although Africa contributes negligibly to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, it will be worst
affected due to its geographical location, its dependence on climate-sensitive resources and its
overall inherent limitations financially, institutionally and human resource wise. Although most of
Africa will feel the adversity that climate change will engender, certain African countries are at
greater risk than others given their vulnerability and their subdued development credentials. We use
a number of proxy variables as indicators of countries sliding further down the development stakes
due to increased risk from climate change expounded as decreases in income or economic growth or
increased expenditure on food that will siphon off development funds. The paper will look at the
impact of climate change in developing countries and in Africa as a whole, with an analysis of why
certain African countries will be worse off from the after-effects of climate change. Lastly, policy
options will be briefly touched on.