World Bank 2022 Photo/Video Competition ‘Plant Trees, Not Plastics’ for African Creatives

Africa’s ecosystems are increasingly at risk from climate change. Some 20% of Africa’s land surface is estimated to be degraded because of soil erosion, salinization, pollution, and loss of vegetation or soil fertility. This is a result of factors including deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, overgrazing, uncontrolled mining activities, invasive alien species, and, increasingly, climate change. Simultaneously, plastic waste continues to be a major challenge in the region. It not managed well, it contributes to environmental pollution impacting livelihoods and public health. Urgent action is needed to tackle these challenges and the World Bank Group is ramping up its support to help countries shape a green, resilient, and inclusive recovery. The World Bank Group’s Climate Change Action Plan, which complements the Africa Climate Business Plan, commits that over the next five years, 35 percent of World Bank Group financing will directly contribute to climate action. Because without rapid deployment of inclusive, climate-informed development throughout the region, 43 million more people could be pushed below the poverty line by 2030.