At a meeting in Nairobi organized by the Africa Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES), delegates identified key research gaps for Africa that will need to be well outlined in the Seventh Assessment Cycle (AR7).
These gaps were identified by analyzing the Sixth Assessment Cycle (AR6) as preparations are underway for IPCC AR7 formulation later in mid-year.

The first key gap is in the understanding of regional tipping points. This refers to what happens when there are shifts in seasons or climate regimes in various regions. This has been under-addressed, but its repercussions have constantly caused mayhem among populations since the occurrences are varied from one place to another. Thereby is a need to highlight each region’s challenges that will then require region-based solutions.

Therefore, it also called for urgency to research and be able to foresee factors such as category 4 and category 5 tropical cyclones of unprecedented magnitudes, heat waves, and so on to be able to prepare for them.

The second key gap is that some parts of the continent are faced with low confidence in projections to improve investment in climate change infrastructure. This is a matter of greater importance in combating climate change, as the infrastructure necessary to actualize actions in response to climate change is vital for viable action. This gap has to be affected especially in matters such as mapping critical tipping points and how they can be addressed.

The third gap is in attribution studies, modeling, and supporting observations. This forms the basis of data that is essential in following up when settling for suited actions. Key attribution studies for extremes in Africa and how these processes change are understanding that will ease the rolling out of adaptation and mitigation measures in response to the magnitude noted in earlier occurrences. Evidence has again proved so important in dealing with probable future outcomes in consideration of weather patterns, outcomes, and possibly eligible responses.

The fourth gap is in the studies on climate impact drivers (CIDS). This knowledge gap, if addressed in AR7, will assist in developing an African approach that best suits each region within the continent. This is necessary considering the climate change impacts are diverse based on the dynamics of a specific region. Impact-based modeling and related projections will then be in a probable position of addressing the gaps.

The fifth gap mainly delved into an emphasis on Africa-based climate models to improve process-based understanding of climate change impacts. Through this knowledge and massive awareness amongst the people, stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers, there would be an enhanced response action pertaining to the parties involved. Only African solutions can solve the African problems and challenges faced, thus a failure to develop an African narrative has been the main reason for recurring issues.

In conclusion, the analysis has pointed out a difference in the crisis from the impacts of climate change based on regions. Therefore, it is important to address the identity of these numerous challenges in various regions. In turn, this “all out for every region’s issues address” is a journey that will provide more viable solutions for addressing climate change with the deployment of the most eligible climate action responses.