NAIROBI, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Nairobi-based African Academy of Sciences (AAS) on Monday announced a 190 million Kenya shilling (1.9 million U.S. dollars) grant to boost research on climate change impacts in the continent.
Fifteen African researchers will receive the grant to help conduct thorough assessment on how climate change is impacting on livelihoods, the AAS said in a statement.
"Tackling climate change in Africa requires that African researchers are supported to ensure they have the best understanding of the problems to be better prepared to provide and amplify solutions," said AAS executive director Nelson Torto.
"We are proud of this noble initiative and look forward to celebrating its impact in all climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, health, water resources, tourism and other areas of socio-economic development," he added.
In partnership with multilateral lenders, the AAS will implement the new initiative to promote home-grown research on impacts of climate change in a continent that has borne the brunt of rising temperatures.
"More than any other continent, Africa is already bearing the impact of the instability of the climate system as evidenced by increasingly unpredictable patterns of precipitation and high temperatures," the AAS said.
"These trends have devastating impacts on the continent's economies, livelihoods and ecosystems," it added.
The new grant aims to strengthen linkages between climate science research and policy interventions to minimize its negative impacts across strategic sectors of the economy.
James Murombedzi, an official with Africa Climate Policy Center, which is affiliated with the United Ntions Economic Commission for Africa, said strategic actions are required at local and regional levels to enhance climate resilience in a continent where 65 percent of the population is directly impacted by global warming.
"It is imperative that climate action must be stepped up to deliver high-impact outcomes for African populations, and to ensure the resilience of economies, ecosystems and infrastructure on the continent," he said.
