Camels in the Afar region of north-eastern Ethiopia are suffering due to extreme heat exacerbated by climate change. Ali Umer, a camel herder who owns about 500 camels, reports that the rising temperatures have caused blisters on their feet, watery eyes, and skin burns from hot sand, leading to the loss of eight camel calves in just one month. The harsh conditions have made it increasingly difficult for herders, as the wind that once provided relief now carries heat instead. Studies and observations by scientists and animal welfare organizations confirm that extreme heat results in stress, dehydration, and increased disease prevalence among the camels, along with a significant loss of water and vegetation in their habitat.
Why It Matters
The Afar region is recognized as one of the hottest and driest places on Earth, where rising temperatures have direct impacts on local livestock and the livelihoods of nomadic herders. The increasing climate extremes are linked to broader trends in global warming, which have resulted in more frequent and intense heatwaves. As vital resources such as water and vegetation dwindle, the sustainability of camel herding—a traditional livelihood—faces significant threats. This situation underscores the urgent need for adaptive strategies to protect both the animals and the communities relying on them amidst escalating climate challenges.
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