Africa needs its very own Marshall Plan to tackle the climate crisis

A dozen of livestock carcasses lie at Marsabit Airstrip, following adverse effects of climate change. [Francis Kariuki, Standard]

When the world went to war in 1939, Europe was left in shambles. The havoc caused by World War II left European countries in dire need of help to rebuild their economies, hence the birth of the Marshall Plan. The Marshall Plan, a program sponsored by the US, helped European economies get back on their feet.

Such a recovery plan is what Africa now needs in the face of the climate crisis. As the world drags its feet in dealing with the crisis, loss of life, livelihoods and culture have become the norm in Africa. Worsening poverty and inequality, food insecurity, fragile ecosystems, and water scarcity have created a sense of urgency in dealing with this 'polycrisis'.