Issue #2. TLDR: Rising Temperatures & Expectant Mothers

🌍 Climate OS: TLDR – Issue #2
Your weekly dose of Africa’s climate and mobility news, served with a side of wit and a dash of hope. Let’s dive in!

🔥 TODAY’S TAKES

Here’s what’s brewing in Africa’s climate and mobility space this week:

1. Rising Temperatures & Expectant Mothers: Extreme heat is complicating childbirth in Africa.

2. SolarAfrica’s R1.8 Billion Solar Boost: South Africa’s mega solar project is charging ahead.

3. Egypt’s EV Charging Rollout: Egypt is expanding its EV charging network.

4. 64% of Consumers Eye EVs in 2025: A new study reveals growing EV interest, but challenges remain.

5. Four Ways Climate Change is Hitting Africa: From livestock to transport, the impacts are real.

🔥 THE BIG STORY: RISING TEMPERATURES & EXPECTANT MOTHERS

Africa’s heat waves aren’t just uncomfortable—they’re dangerous, especially for expectant mothers. A groundbreaking study in Mombasa, Kenya, reveals that extreme heat increases the likelihood of caesarean sections by 21% and low birth weight by 26%.

Why It Matters:

• The study, conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital between 2017 and 2022, found that women exposed to high temperatures in the month of birth were more likely to undergo C-sections. Newborns were also more likely to be underweight if their mothers experienced extreme heat, particularly in the final trimester.

• With climate change driving global temperatures higher, maternal and neonatal health risks will continue to rise.

The Bigger Picture:

• Climate change affects pregnant women through social determinants like poverty, migration, and disrupted health services. For example, a 1°C increase in temperature in the week before delivery is associated with a 6% increased risk of stillbirth.

• The study calls for stronger maternal healthcare strategies, including heat adaptation measures in hospitals and awareness campaigns for expectant mothers.

☀️ SOLARAFRICA’S R1.8 BILLION SOLAR BOOST

South Africa’s SolarAfrica has secured a whopping R1.8 billion (about USD 97 Million) investment for its SunCentral solar project. The first phase will deliver 114 MW of renewable energy, with plans to scale up to 1 GW.

Why It’s a Big Deal:

• SunCentral is a large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plant located in the Northern Cape province. It will deliver renewable energy to a diverse range of off-takers by wheeling it through South Africa’s power grid.

• Unlike similar projects that offer wheeling on a one-to-one basis, SunCentral will offer wheeling on a one-to-many basis, making clean energy accessible to a wider pool of businesses.

The Bottom Line:

• SolarAfrica’s Chief Investment Officer, Charl Alheit, says the project will unlock access to cheaper, greener power for even more businesses across the country.

• This project is a blueprint for scaling solar energy across Sub-Saharan Africa, with potential for similar initiatives in other key markets.

⚡ EGYPT’S EV CHARGING ROLLOUT

Egypt is stepping up its EV game with a new partnership to deploy EV charging stations across the country. The initiative will leverage existing filling station networks, making charging more accessible.

Why It Matters:

• The partnership, announced during the EGYPES conference, involves Hassan Allam Utilities, Infinity, Misr Petroleum, and Gastec. It will use the extensive filling station networks of Misr Petroleum and Gastec to install EV chargers at strategic high-traffic locations.

• Infinity, through its Infinity EV business, already operates 200 charging stations and 700 charging points across 16 governorates in Egypt.

The Takeaway:

• This initiative supports Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources' strategy to advance sustainable mobility and diversify energy solutions.

• It’s a key step in the country’s push to electrify its roads and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

🚗 64% OF CONSUMERS EYE EVs IN 2025

A new TCS Global Study reveals that 64% of consumers are likely to choose an EV as their next vehicle. But challenges like charging infrastructure and cost remain key concerns.

Key Insights:

• 60% of consumers cite charging infrastructure as a major hurdle, while 56% are willing to pay up to $40,000 for an EV.

• The study, conducted across North America, the UK, Europe, and APAC, surveyed over 1,300 stakeholders, including transport manufacturers, charging infrastructure players, fleet adopters, and consumers.

The Bigger Trend:

• While enthusiasm for EVs continues to rise, the study highlights the need for advancements in battery technology and cost reduction to make EVs more accessible.

• 90% of manufacturers believe improvements in battery technology will significantly impact EV design and performance in the near term.

🌡️ FOUR WAYS CLIMATE CHANGE IS HITTING AFRICA

From heat-stressed livestock to crumbling transport networks, Africa is already feeling the heat of climate change.

The Highlights:

1. Livestock: Heat stress is making it harder to raise animals outdoors, threatening the livelihoods of millions.

2. Transport: Flooding disrupts roads and railways, costing economies millions. For example, Tanzania could lose up to $1.4 million per day due to transport disruptions.

3. Health: Rising temperatures are increasing the spread of diseases and heat-related illnesses.

4. Mountains: Changing weather patterns are affecting water resources and ecosystems, with knock-on effects on regional economies and cultural practices.

The Bottom Line:
Climate change isn’t a distant threat—it’s here, and Africa is paying the price. Adaptation measures, from heat-resistant infrastructure to community land management programs, are urgently needed.

🍵 MEME OF THE DAY

"When you are charging your car and it hits you that your EV charger is farther than your ex’s new relationship."

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