Explained: How West Africa is using data to fight climate change

Climate change will hit Africa particularly hard, fueling drought, heat and crop failures. Researchers are working to prepare the west of the continent for this scenario — with help from Germany.

Climate change Africa, West Africa Data Climate change fight, Germany Africa, WASCAL project Africa, Express Explained — With their relatively weak economies, African countries hardly contribute to climate change. (DW)

A few metal bars, a lot of sensors and some plastic; these are the ingredients meant to help West African researchers in their efforts to combat climate change. Since 2010, some 50 weather observation stations have been built with these items by African universities in Benin, Ghana, Togo and eight other countries — with support from Germany.