Browsing: Climate change

Climate Funding

A considerable gap exists between symbol and substance regarding an African climate change approach. Foreign leaders often nod to how Africa accounts for only four per cent of global emissions but bears the brunt of the devastating climate change effects. Rising temperatures, extreme weather conditions, and ecosystem disruptions threaten millions of Africans’ livelihoods.

For many communities across the continent, the climate threat is already existential. With 18 per cent of the global population, Africa has 16 of the 20 countries most vulnerable to climate change, according to Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative.…

  • The Africa Climate Summit 2023 seeks to foster collaborative efforts in addressing the pressing climate crisis.
  • Ahead of the summit, President William Ruto calls on the global north to live up to the climate action commitments.
  • African government leaders are poised to commit to a Nairobi Declaration at the end of the meeting.

In a historic gathering of minds, an estimated 15,000 individuals, spanning government leaders, policymakers, civil society, the private sector, multilateral institutions, and youth from approximately 80 countries, have converged in Nairobi, Kenya, for the first-ever Africa Climate Summit.

The event has garnered attention from across the globe. Over 30 Heads of State have confirmed their attendance. Also attending will be the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry.

Africa Climate Summit 2023

The primary aim of the Africa Climate Summit 2023 is to foster collaborative efforts in addressing the pressing climate crisis. Earlier Mr. Kerry expressed …

  • Currently, East Africa is reeling from the effects of the worst drought on record; extreme heat is ravaging northern Africa while flash floods remain a constant threat.  
  • This is despite the continent contributing the least to global warming and having the lowest carbon emissions on record.
  • According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), Africa is the most vulnerable continent to climate change impacts under all climate scenarios above 1.5 degrees Celsius. 

Over the past few years, the frequency and intensity of adverse effects of climate change in different African nations has been on the rise. Rising temperatures, floods, and droughts are as a result of climate change yet the continent contributes the least carbon emissions. 

However, resultant collateral damage is posing systemic risks to the continent’s economies. Infrastructure investments, water and food systems, public health, agriculture, and livelihoods are at risk, threatening to undo Africa’s modest development gains. Left unchecked,

The insurance sector has progressively curated products to cushion the different aspects of living, individuals and corporations. As such, agricultural insurance has been identified as an essential tool in assisting farmers, herders, and governments to mitigate some negative financial impacts of adverse natural events. Many countries have used insurance to help manage agricultural risks. The usefulness of agricultural insurance in risk mitigation is not in question.…

  • Globally, it’s time to usher in an era of sustainable resource management, embrace green practices, or face the risk of extinction.
  • Achieving development without polluting our surroundings is not only vital for human well-being but is the bedrock of our very survival.
  • Fuel subsidies provided to oil companies by governments have perpetuated the use of polluting fuels, leading to staggering mortality figures.

The world’s pursuit of progress and development has come at a hefty price, as pollution and environmental degradation threaten our very existence. Clean air, land, and water – the fundamental pillars of life – are now under siege due to unchecked industrialization and unsustainable practices. The question looms: Can humanity continue to advance without imperiling its own survival?

Sustainable financing

The urgency of the situation is crystal clear. Achieving development without polluting our surroundings is not only vital for human well-being but is the bedrock of our very …

Egypt’s Nile River Delta is the cornerstone of North Africa’s economy. Boasting a pivotal role in Egypt’s GDP, its fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture, and tourism sectors contribute an impressive 20 per cent to the nation’s economic output.
The Nile River Delta, a verdant stretch spanning 240 kilometers along Egypt’s northern Mediterranean coast, holds a unique significance. Occupying merely 2 per cent to 3 per cent of the country’s landmass, the Delta is home to four out of 10 people living in Egypt today.…

Africa’s nuclear energy sector has undergone quite a transformation, with multiple governments moving past traditional energy sources to new, greener, and more sustainable ones. Nuclear energy has been a hot topic for most governments, with countries such as South Africa and Uganda releasing project plans for nuclear power plants. In recent news, Tanzania shocked the globe by revealing its nuclear energy plans at the Second Russia-Africa Summit. With these new developments, Tanzania has cast the die stating its intent to outpace its peers and dominate the upcoming era of technology.…

Therefore, carbon trading—producing and selling carbon offsets is becoming a new, lucrative, and transformative business in Tanzania. At least 20 companies are venturing into climate action-inspired business, pouring over $20 billion worth of investment.…

In recent years, Africa has emerged as a promising destination for global investment, with its vast natural resources, expanding consumer markets, and growing middle class. As the continent’s economies continue to strengthen and diversify, global players increasingly recognise the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships. The United States has significantly contributed to Africa’s economic transformation among these partners.…

  • Africa does not have the privilege of simply abandoning coal.
  • Abandoning coal will mean no available energy to power healthcare, education, business, and transport across African economies.
  • Europe, despite pressuring Africa to abandon coal, is turning to coal to power their economies.

While developed nations are calling for an immediate, and perhaps overly ambitious switch to a renewable energy future, African economies cannot stop using coal. And you dont have to look far to see why. In Africa, over 600 million people live without access to electricity. And more than 900 million lack access clean cooking solutions.

This alone means abandoning coal and its associated power generation infrastructure will be unrealistic for Africa. Dropping the use of coal in Africa will cause damage on African economies while reversing the meaningful development progress realized so far.

Coal in Africa’s energy mix

Coal has long played a critical role in the energy