Africa has the Potentials to Contribute to the Climate Action

The special Climate Change Envoy of the President of Kenya, Mohamed Ali says that in the Fight against Climate Change, Africa disposes of huge potential to contribute to Climate Action in the world.

Speaking to participants of Nairobi Summer School cohort III in Nairobi on June 4, Hon. Mohamed says that the continent has untapped opportunities including human capital and exposure to renewable energy such as geothermal, wind, and solar power that can contribute to the reduction of Greenhouse Gas emissions.

He said that Climate change impacts are impacting everyone and global warming is on the rise despite the parties’ agreement to keep global warming under 1.5 centigrade in Paris Agreement.

“In 2015 in Paris, we agreed to limit global warming at 1.5 degrees and we have reached that temperature this year. This requires action because we cannot continue lamenting who has caused the global warming but we need action, said Mohamed.

Figures from the government and Red Cross indicate that in the last 20 years, Kenya faced failed rain seasons and there is a probability that it can scale up to 2023.

“Africa can contribute is a huge opportunity of renewable energy and Kenya is the best example hydro geothermal, solar, wind and indeed Africa has significant potentials”, said  Mohamed Ali.

He said that the training at Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice is key in shaping the narrative and mentoring the young generation in matters related to Climate Change. “As a young generation, you can contribute to a positive change for Africa, and that positive transformation is you. You can contribute to innovation and push for change globally to ensure that you and future generations live in the world they desire,” Continued Ali.

Commenting and responding to questions from learners Dr. Mithika said the time for talks should end and countries proceed to pragmatic climate action.

“As non-state actors, we need to have conversations with our governments and be at the center so that we know the type of development we want,” said Dr. Mithika.

Dr. Mithika pointed out that the North is banning gasoline vehicles to embrace e-Mobility and said that Africa is not spared by the binding change for transformation. He said that the transition from dirty energy to clean energy is inevitable and so Africa needs to fit into that trajectory.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development indicates that Africa disposes 60% of the world’s best global resources and once an investment is accurately done, solar photovoltaics can be the cost-effective solution for electricity for the millions of Africans who lack access.

According to the same organization’s report, Africa could also produce about 50 million tons of low-carbon biogas from agricultural residues, animal manure, and municipal solid waste through household-scale bio-digesters.

 Issues related to climate action and the positive transition will be discussed during the Africa Climate Summit 2023, which will take place in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting is set to bring together 10000 participants drawn from global leaders, policymakers, youth activists, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector to drive meaningful action and forge a sustainable future for Africa and the world. The summit will tackle the urgent challenges of Climate Change and foster collaborations toward sustainable solutions.