Tanzania’s ambitious goal of achieving middle-income status by 2050 faces a significant hurdle: climate change. A new World Bank report warns that unchecked climate change could severely impact the nation’s economic trajectory, potentially slowing growth by 4% and pushing millions into poverty.

The report, titled “Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR),” highlights the stark realities of climate change in Tanzania. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events pose serious threats to the country’s economy, particularly its heavily reliant agricultural sector.

“If left unchecked, climate change could push an additional 2.6 million Tanzanians into poverty and force up to 13 million more citizens to migrate internally by 2050,” warns Diji Chandrasekharan Behr, World Bank Lead Environmental Economist.

A Call for Action

The CCDR outlines a roadmap for Tanzania to navigate these challenges. Key recommendations include:

• Climate-proofing development: Strengthening social safety nets, improving access to healthcare and clean water, and integrating climate considerations into education and job training programs.
• Sustainable land and water management: Implementing climate-smart agricultural practices, improving water resource management, and investing in resilient infrastructure.
• Transitioning to a low-carbon economy: Promoting renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and developing sustainable transportation systems.
• Strengthening institutional capacity: Enhancing coordination between government agencies, fostering public-private partnerships, and leveraging innovative financing mechanisms.

The Private Sector: A Crucial Ally

The report emphasizes the critical role of the private sector in driving climate action and sustainable development. “The private sector’s involvement is crucial in mobilizing financing for productivity-enhancing technologies, green buildings, low-carbon manufacturing, and renewable energy infrastructure,” says Mary Porter Peschka, IFC’s Regional Director for Eastern Africa.

A Race Against Time

Despite contributing a relatively small fraction to global emissions, Tanzania is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The report underscores the urgency of action, emphasizing that proactive measures are essential to mitigate climate risks and ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for Tanzania.