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State of Africa’s Environment 2025 Warns of Severe Water Stress Across Africa

Introduction

The latest edition of State of Africa’s Environment 2025, released by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in Addis Ababa, warns that climate change-induced disruptions in the global water cycle will have serious implications for Africa’s environment, economy and social stability.The report highlights that increasing water stress, glacier retreat, shrinking lakes, prolonged droughts and devastating floods may intensify displacement, conflict and developmental challenges across the African continent.The publication draws upon assessments from multiple international agencies including the World Meteorological Organization, African Union Commission and United Nations water security assessments.

Climate Change and the Global Water Cycle

The report states that human-induced climate change is significantly altering the global water cycle.This has resulted in:

• Intensified droughts
• Extreme floods
• Erratic precipitation patterns
• Water scarcity
• Glacier retreat
• Ecosystem degradation

Africa is identified as one of the most climate-vulnerable continents because of:

• Dependence on rain-fed agriculture
• Weak water infrastructure
• Existing developmental challenges
• Rapid population growth

The report warns that climate-linked water stress could displace up to 700 million Africans by 2030.

Water Stress and Conflict Risks

The publication cites the State of the Climate in Africa 2021 report published jointly by the WMO and African Union Commission.According to the report:

• Water scarcity may intensify social tensions.
• Competition over shrinking water resources may aggravate conflicts.
• Fragile regions already facing instability are especially vulnerable.

The report highlights that worsening water insecurity could undermine Africa’s ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Extreme Weather Events Across Africa

The report notes that global warming is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events across the continent.

Major Climate Impacts Mentioned

The publication also references the 2024 Global Water Monitor Report, which warned of continued extreme weather risks in 2025.

Regions Expected to Face Drought

• Northern South America
• Southern Africa
• Northern Africa
• Central Asia
• Western Australia

Regions Expected to Face Flooding

• Sahel
• Horn of Africa
• Europe
• Large parts of Asia

Glacier Retreat in Africa

The report highlights the rapid retreat of glaciers in East Africa.

Major Glaciers Mentioned

These glaciers are reportedly retreating faster than the global average.The report cites the State of the Climate in Africa 2020 report by WMO, which warned that Kilimanjaro’s glaciers could disappear by 2040.The decline of glaciers threatens:

• Freshwater availability
• River systems
• Agriculture
• Mountain ecosystems

Shrinking African Lakes

The report raises concern over shrinking lakes across Africa, especially Lake Chad.

Lake Chad Crisis

The shrinking of Lake Chad has serious implications for:

• Agriculture
• Fisheries
• Biodiversity
• Livelihoods
• Regional security

The report also notes that countries surrounding Lake Chad are among the least peaceful countries in Africa according to the Global Terrorism Index 2020.

Water Insecurity in Africa

The report references the Global Water Security 2023 Assessment, released during the UN Water Conference.

Key Findings

• All African nations assessed were “water insecure”.
• Africa accounts for nearly half of the world’s water insecure countries.
• Three of the world’s five critically water insecure countries are in Africa:
  • Eritrea
  • Sudan
  • Ethiopia

The report further states that Africa accounts for nearly 22 per cent of the world’s critically water insecure population.

Sub-Saharan Africa as the Most Water-Stressed Region

The report cites a study published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal in November 2022.

Major Findings

The findings indicate that Sub-Saharan Africa was the world’s most water-stressed region during 2020–2021.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The report warns that worsening water insecurity may significantly hinder Africa’s SDG progress.

SDGs Likely to be Affected

Water insecurity is also expected to impact:

• Food security
• Energy generation
• Public health
• Migration patterns
• Economic development

Broader Significance

The report demonstrates the growing interlinkage between:

• Climate change
• Water security
• Conflict
• Migration
• Sustainable development

It also underlines the importance of:

• Climate adaptation strategies
• Water governance reforms
• Regional cooperation
• Sustainable resource management

The issue is highly relevant for UPSC topics related to:

• Climate change
• Africa geography
• Water resources
• Environmental governance
• Sustainable development
• Disaster management
• International reports and indices

Static Part

State of Africa’s Environment 2025

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)

Reports Mentioned

Institutions Mentioned

Updated – 18 September 2025 ; 09:53 AMNews Source:Down To Earth