Kenya: A Pioneer in Renewable Energy

Kenya has established itself as a leader in renewable energy in Africa, with ambitious goals and impressive achievements in harnessing its vast natural resources. The country’s commitment to renewable energy is evident in several key areas:

1. Geothermal Energy: Kenya is home to one of the largest geothermal energy plants in the world, the Olkaria Geothermal Plant. The country has made significant investments in geothermal energy, which accounts for nearly 50% of its electricity generation. By tapping into its geothermal potential, Kenya has reduced its reliance on fossil fuels and established a sustainable energy source.
2. Wind and Solar Power: Kenya is also investing heavily in wind and solar energy. The Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, Africa’s largest wind farm, has the capacity to generate 310 megawatts of electricity. Moreover, the government has implemented programs to promote solar energy, particularly in rural areas, where access to electricity remains limited.
3. Climate Adaptation Strategies: Beyond energy production, Kenya has been proactive in developing climate adaptation strategies. The National Climate Change Action Plan outlines various measures to enhance resilience in agriculture, water resources, and urban planning. By focusing on adaptation, Kenya aims to protect vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate change.

Morocco: A Model for Climate Diplomacy

Morocco has gained international recognition for its ambitious climate policies and commitment to sustainable development. The country’s approach offers valuable lessons in climate diplomacy and renewable energy initiatives:

1. Solar Power Initiatives: Morocco is leading the way in solar energy production with the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, one of the largest solar power plants in the world. The plant’s capacity of 580 megawatts significantly contributes to the country’s goal of generating 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. This project exemplifies Morocco’s commitment to sustainable energy and showcases its potential as a leader in solar power.
2. Climate Commitments and International Cooperation: Morocco played a pivotal role in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), hosting the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP22) in Marrakech in 2016. The country used this platform to advocate for increased global cooperation in addressing climate change. Morocco’s leadership in climate diplomacy has positioned it as a bridge between developed and developing nations, emphasizing the need for collective action.
3. Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Recognizing the vulnerability of its agricultural sector to climate change, Morocco has implemented sustainable agricultural practices to enhance food security. The Plan Maroc Vert (Green Morocco Plan) aims to increase agricultural productivity while promoting sustainability. By prioritizing climate-resilient agriculture, Morocco is not only addressing climate change but also ensuring food security for its population.

Lessons from Kenya and Morocco

The experiences of Kenya and Morocco provide valuable lessons for other nations seeking to strengthen their climate policies:

1. Invest in Renewable Energy: Both countries demonstrate that investing in renewable energy sources is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving energy security. By prioritizing clean energy, nations can create jobs, enhance energy independence, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
2. Emphasize Climate Adaptation: Addressing climate change requires more than just mitigation efforts; countries must also focus on adaptation strategies. Developing plans that prioritize resilience in vulnerable sectors such as agriculture, water management, and infrastructure can help communities withstand the impacts of climate change.
3. Engage in Climate Diplomacy: Climate change is a global challenge that requires international cooperation. By actively participating in global climate negotiations and advocating for collective action, countries can amplify their voices and influence international climate policy.
4. Integrate Sustainable Practices: Incorporating sustainable practices across various sectors is essential for long-term climate resilience. By promoting sustainable agriculture, forestry, and land use practices, countries can enhance their adaptability to climate change while preserving their natural resources.
5. Empower Local Communities: Engaging local communities in climate initiatives is vital for success. By involving those most affected by climate change in decision-making processes, countries can develop more effective and inclusive policies that address the needs of vulnerable populations.

As the world faces the urgent realities of climate change, African nations like Kenya and Morocco are leading the way in innovative climate policies. Their commitment to renewable energy, climate adaptation, and international cooperation serves as a powerful example for other countries to follow. By learning from their experiences, the global community can work towards a more sustainable and equitable future, ensuring that no nation is left behind in the fight against climate change. The leadership of African countries in climate policy is not only critical for their own development but also essential for global climate stability.

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A Crucial Carbon Sink

One of the most important roles of the Congo Rainforest is its function as a carbon sink. Trees in the rainforest absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and store it in their biomass, helping to mitigate climate change. It is estimated that the Congo Rainforest stores approximately 8% of the world’s total carbon, playing a vital role in regulating global temperatures.

The deforestation and degradation of this forest would release vast amounts of carbon back into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. It is estimated that if the Congo Rainforest were to be lost, it could contribute to a global temperature increase of up to 0.7 degrees Celsius, undermining international efforts to keep warming below the 1.5-degree threshold set by the Paris Agreement.

Biodiversity Hotspot

The Congo Rainforest is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, with thousands of species of plants, animals, and insects. Many of these species are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. The loss of the rainforest would not only threaten the survival of countless species but also disrupt the intricate ecosystems that depend on this biodiversity.

The health of the rainforest is closely linked to the well-being of local communities. Many indigenous and local populations rely on the forest for food, medicine, and shelter. The loss of biodiversity could have devastating consequences for these communities, threatening their livelihoods and cultural practices.

Climate Regulation and Weather Patterns

The Congo Rainforest plays a vital role in regulating local and regional weather patterns. Through the process of transpiration, trees release water vapor into the atmosphere, which contributes to cloud formation and precipitation. This process helps maintain a stable climate, not just within the rainforest but also in surrounding regions.

Deforestation and degradation of the Congo Rainforest can lead to significant changes in rainfall patterns, causing droughts in some areas and flooding in others. Such alterations can have far-reaching effects on agriculture and food security in the region, further exacerbating the challenges posed by climate change.

Threats to the Congo Rainforest

Despite its critical importance, the Congo Rainforest faces numerous threats that jeopardize its health and integrity. Some of the key threats include:

1. Deforestation: Logging, both legal and illegal, poses a significant threat to the rainforest. Timber extraction often leads to habitat destruction and fragmentation, putting pressure on biodiversity.
2. Agricultural Expansion: The growing demand for agricultural land, particularly for palm oil, rubber, and other cash crops, is driving deforestation in the region. This expansion often occurs at the expense of forested areas, leading to further loss of biodiversity and carbon storage capacity.
3. Mining Activities: The extraction of minerals, including gold, diamonds, and coltan, often leads to significant environmental degradation. Mining operations can result in deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution of local water sources.
4. Infrastructure Development: The construction of roads, dams, and other infrastructure projects can lead to increased access to previously untouched forest areas, facilitating further deforestation and exploitation of resources.

The Path Forward: Protecting the Congo Rainforest

Protecting the Congo Rainforest is not only crucial for the health of the planet but also for the well-being of millions of people who rely on its resources. Here are some essential steps that can be taken to ensure its preservation:

1. Strengthening Governance and Policies: Governments in the region must implement and enforce strong environmental policies that protect forests and promote sustainable land use practices. This includes regulating logging, agriculture, and mining activities.
2. Community Engagement: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts is vital. Indigenous and local populations often possess valuable knowledge about sustainable resource management. Their involvement in decision-making processes can lead to more effective conservation strategies.
3. International Support and Funding: The global community must recognize the importance of the Congo Rainforest in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. Increased funding for conservation projects, sustainable development initiatives, and the establishment of protected areas is essential.
4. Promoting Sustainable Practices: Encouraging sustainable agriculture and forestry practices can help reduce pressure on the rainforest while providing livelihoods for local communities. Agroforestry, which combines agriculture with tree planting, is one promising approach.
5. Raising Awareness: Increasing awareness of the critical role of the Congo Rainforest in the global climate system is essential. Education and outreach campaigns can mobilize support for conservation efforts both locally and internationally.

The protection of the Congo Rainforest is not just an environmental issue; it is a matter of global significance. As the world faces the urgent challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, safeguarding this vital ecosystem is critical for maintaining climate stability and supporting the livelihoods of millions. By prioritizing the conservation of the Congo Rainforest, we can take significant steps toward a sustainable future for the planet. Protecting this invaluable resource is not just an investment in Africa’s future; it is an investment in the health of the entire planet.

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At least two million people in the four countries have been displaced by conflict. 70% of these are in Burkina Faso, where nearly 10% of the population (1.8 million people) have had to flee their homes in search of security

These people, who were already surviving with difficulty, find themselves in an extremely vulnerable situation after becoming displaced. Deprived of their land and thus unable to live by farming or herding, entire communities become totally dependent on humanitarian assistance, especially for food and water.

Of particular concern is the plight of millions of people in the region who remain in areas too dangerous for humanitarian organizations to operate. The people of some areas and towns, such as Pama, Mansila, Kelbo, Madjouari and Djibo in Burkina Faso, are the hardest hit. They are increasingly cramped and unable to flee, with their own particular food crisis.

The region, which is experiencing the adverse effects of climate change, is also suffering the worst drought in decades. Record low rainfall – comparable to the long drought of 2011 that killed many thousands of people – has caused severe crop failure.

Niger and Mauritania produced 40% less food than the five-year average, Mali 15% less, and Burkina Faso 10% less. In Mauritania, biomass production was reduced by 80% in areas affected by natural fires and drought.

Conflict as a major cause of declining food security

Over 80% of people in the Sahel live on agriculture. When violence engulfs a region, people are often forced to flee, which means they are unable to plant their land, cultivate crops or harvest crops, putting entire communities at risk of severe malnutrition or even starvation.

In Mali’s Liptako-Gourma region, where three national borders converge, more than a hundred villages have lost 80% of their cultivable land, all crops have been destroyed, and people have been forced to flee. Our monitoring of crops harvested in Yatenga and Loroum provinces in Burkina Faso showed that they were reduced by 90%.

In the northern regions of Burkina Faso, between 30% and 50% of cultivated land has been lost due to security threats, and in Niger, in the Tilabéry and Tahoua regions, hundreds of thousands of people have been left destitute as agricultural land has become inaccessible due to the threat of violence and entire villages have been displaced.

The situation is exacerbated by water scarcity

In Burkina Faso, the water crisis has become a national problem. In some conflict-affected regions, water points are being destroyed, while in other places people’s daily lives have been severely affected by the collapse of water infrastructure.

Armed violence and conflict have also disrupted traditional routes for the seasonal movement of livestock to new pastures, an integral part of pastoralism or nomadic livestock production. Mauritanian pastoralists used to regularly migrate to Mali in search of pasture and watering places. Armed violence has cut off these routes, jeopardizing the survival of livestock and thus the pastoralists’ ability to sustain their livelihoods.

Out-of-the-box solutions are needed

Of particular concern is the plight of hundreds of thousands of people trapped in areas of the Sahel inaccessible to the ICRC and other humanitarian organizations due to security threats and unable to get out. “Humanitarian aid must be delivered to all those in need and distributed in a way that reduces, not exacerbates, tensions. Humanitarian organizations must be able to operate freely and safely in such places,” said Patrick Yousef.

Together with other parts of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the ICRC is scaling up its activities across the region to help those most in need. The ICRC is also looking for longer-term solutions to help people in these countries adapt to climate shocks and the effects of protracted conflicts and learn to survive in the circumstances.

On 12 May 2022 in Abidjan, on the margins of the 15th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP15), the ICRC will co-host an event with the African Development Bank on how to break the cycle of food insecurity in Africa.

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Africa is developing an integrated assessment that shows how the continent can achieve key development goals, provide clean air and help in the global fight against climate change and ecosystem degradation. The assessment, the first of its kind for Africa, will support evidence-based policies across the continent to underpin effective action on the continent.

The Comprehensive Assessment of Air Pollution and Climate Change in Africa is led by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI). It brings together scientists, policy makers and practitioners working across Africa to look at the continent’s rapid development and associated air pollution and climate risks.

The assessment will inform decision-making on sustainable economic and social development in Africa, and identify solutions and significant benefits of improved air quality for health, agriculture, environment and forestry; along with the simultaneous potential to limit climate change and promote adaptation. It will also support capacity development and action to reduce emissions in key sectors of the economy.

Two big challenges: data and capacity

The two biggest challenges for African countries are lack of data on air pollution and climate change emissions and inadequate capacity to enforce and enforce air pollution management policies, regulations and standards. Countries need data to plan policies that can reduce air pollution and realize national development priorities and climate goals. The assessment aims to fill these gaps and build local knowledge and institutional capacity so that governments can integrate and mainstream air pollution and climate change policies into national development plans in an integrated manner.

The assessment is part of an overall goal to build communities of practice among African scientists, policymakers and practitioners to strengthen the role and capacity of emission reduction strategies to support sustainable development in Africa.

The African Union Commission will support the implementation of the results of the Integrated Assessment of Air Pollution and Climate Change in Africa and linkage to Agenda 2063 and the development of an Air Quality Framework for Africa,” said Harsen Nyambe, Head of Environment, Climate Change. Water and Land Management at AUC. He also emphasized the importance of incorporating the results of such work into national curricula to prepare the younger generation for the changes to come.

Addressing inequalities related to air pollution and climate change

In the face of growing inequalities in air pollution, Africa bears a significant burden of air pollution-related deaths, yet we lack accurate, timely information, hindering progress in mitigating the growing harmful impacts of air pollution on human health, regional climate, ecosystems and crops. To fill this gap, it is important to prioritize awareness raising, invest in contextualizing the progress made and the unique challenges and solutions to Africa’s air pollution monitoring and impact assessment. Through this Africa assessment, significant progress has been made in reaching stakeholders and embedding the assessment process in the region.

The importance of assessment for African policy makers was highlighted by the African Ministerial Conference on Environment (AMCEN) in Decision 17/2 recognizing the importance of SLCPs and “the need to assess the link between air pollution control policies and climate change policies” during the 2019-17 session in Durban, South Africa. At the 15th AMCEN (2015) in Cairo, Egypt, the Ministers in their declaration called for strengthened air quality monitoring and modeling and the need to develop an Africa-wide air quality framework agreement on air quality management. This issue was revisited at the 16th AMCEN (2017), Libreville, Gabon, where the Ministers recognized that the region is facing increasing levels of air pollution, which has a negative impact on the environment and socio-economic development in the region, as well as on the human health and well-being of the African population.

Air pollution in all its forms threatens the quality of human life in many ways. The fact that millions of people are dying prematurely because of air pollution signals the need for urgent action. In Africa, the situation is acute because Africa’s most vulnerable population – women and children – are at higher risk of susceptibility to chronic respiratory diseases due to exposure to indoor air pollution from the use of biomass fuels for cooking and paraffin for lighting.

In addition, outdoor air pollution from open burning of waste, especially plastics in open landfills, and open burning of agricultural residues worsens the situation. The assessment is timely and the results will inform ecosystem restoration policies and strategic actions for significant changes in development practices and investment decisions in Africa for the benefit of the world.

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Women: The First Line of Defense Against Climate Change

In many African countries, women are responsible for managing the land, water, and food systems that are most vulnerable to climate impacts. According to the United Nations, 80% of the continent’s smallholder farmers are women. This close relationship with the land gives them a unique perspective on the environmental changes taking place and makes them particularly sensitive to the effects of climate change, such as droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather patterns.

As the primary food producers and caretakers of families, women are disproportionately affected when crops fail or water sources dry up. They often have to travel longer distances to find water or firewood, which increases their workload and limits opportunities for education or income-generating activities. Despite these hardships, African women are not merely victims of climate change; they are active participants in creating solutions. Their knowledge of sustainable farming practices, water management, and community resilience is essential to addressing the climate crisis at its roots.

Women as Climate Leaders and Advocates

Across Africa, women are stepping up as leaders in the fight for climate justice, advocating for policies and initiatives that address the needs of the most vulnerable. Grassroots movements led by women are challenging the existing power structures and demanding that African governments and international institutions take stronger action to combat climate change.

One prominent example is the Green Belt Movement in Kenya, founded by the late Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai. This movement, led primarily by women, has planted millions of trees across Kenya to combat deforestation, restore ecosystems, and improve livelihoods. Women in the movement not only advocate for environmental restoration but also for the rights of marginalized communities to access land and natural resources.

Another example is in West Africa, where women in countries like Ghana, Senegal, and Mali have been at the forefront of agroecology and sustainable farming practices. These women-led initiatives focus on traditional, climate-resilient agricultural methods, such as agroforestry and crop diversification, that protect the land and improve food security in the face of climate uncertainty.

Women’s Leadership in International Climate Negotiations

Beyond the grassroots level, African women are also taking leadership roles in international climate negotiations, ensuring that gender equality and climate justice remain central issues on the global agenda. Women from across the continent have participated in major conferences such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), where they have pushed for the recognition of women’s unique vulnerabilities to climate change and their essential role in climate adaptation.

African women leaders, such as Hilda Flavia Nakabuye from Uganda, have gained international recognition for their activism. Nakabuye, a young climate activist and founder of the Fridays for Future Uganda movement, has used her platform to advocate for climate action, with a focus on how climate change disproportionately affects women and girls. Similarly, women negotiators from countries like Ethiopia and South Africa have been influential in securing commitments for climate finance that support gender-responsive climate adaptation projects.

Challenges Faced by Women in the Climate Justice Movement

Despite their essential contributions, African women face significant barriers in their fight for climate justice. Cultural, social, and economic inequalities often limit their access to decision-making spaces, resources, and education. In many African communities, patriarchal systems persist, marginalizing women’s voices and excluding them from formal leadership roles. This lack of representation at local, national, and international levels hinders the development of gender-sensitive climate policies.

Furthermore, women in rural areas frequently lack access to the financial resources necessary to implement climate adaptation strategies. While international climate finance is often discussed at global meetings, the funds rarely reach the small-scale, women-led initiatives that are on the front lines of climate adaptation. Bridging this financial gap is crucial to empowering women to scale their efforts and create meaningful, long-term change.

Empowering Women for a Sustainable Future

To unlock the full potential of women in the fight against climate change, it is essential to address the systemic inequalities that hold them back. Education is a key factor in this empowerment. Providing women and girls with access to education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can enable them to develop innovative solutions to climate challenges and pursue leadership roles in environmental sectors.

In addition to education, there is a need for increased investment in women-led climate initiatives. Governments, NGOs, and international organizations must prioritize funding for projects that empower women to build climate resilience in their communities. This includes supporting women’s cooperatives, training programs, and access to clean energy technologies that reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and improve their quality of life.

Finally, gender-sensitive climate policies must be implemented at all levels of governance. This means actively including women in climate decision-making processes and ensuring that climate strategies are designed to meet the needs of women and girls, particularly in rural areas. The inclusion of women in leadership positions within environmental ministries, climate finance boards, and international negotiations is critical for ensuring that their voices shape the future of climate policy.

Conclusion: Women as Catalysts for Climate Justice

African women are not only victims of climate change but also powerful agents of change in the fight for climate justice. From grassroots movements to global platforms, their leadership and resilience are shaping more equitable and sustainable solutions to the climate crisis. To achieve true climate justice, the international community must recognize and support the critical role that African women play in building a sustainable future for their communities and the planet.

Empowering women is not only a matter of gender equality but also a necessary step toward effective climate action. As we look toward the future, it is clear that the voices, knowledge, and leadership of African women will be essential in creating a climate-resilient Africa that thrives for generations to come.

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This anecdote is reminiscent of the rhetoric used by rich-world countries, ostensibly with good intentions, when they talk about climate change, especially when referring to Africa. Non-governmental organizations, financial donors, governments in the Global North present climate change solely as a catastrophe. This pessimism is evident in the terms they use – ‘climate emergency’, ‘climate crisis’, ‘climate refugees’.

We are constantly reminded that Africa will be the region hardest hit by climate change. In this discourse, which is reinforced by images of floods, drought and starvation, our peasants, fishermen and villagers are constantly portrayed as victims.

But this rhetoric of catastrophe does nothing to galvanize climate action, and so we need a new scenario. The starting point should be the idea that the climate crisis, despite appearances to the contrary and warnings from activists such as Greta Thunberg, is not solely a horror and nightmare. Like the Covid-19 pandemic, it offers a chance for a global reset that could be of great benefit to Africa.

Such a reset would make it possible to target and scale innovations for adaptation and mitigation, spurring Africa’s economic development. We have everything we need to build the renewable energy sector, starting with wind, hydro, solar and geothermal power plants. We also have the cobalt, graphite, lithium and manganese needed to make electric batteries, and the steel, zinc and aluminum needed to make wind turbines and other low-carbon machinery. Green industries have the potential to create jobs, help businesses grow, boost economies in Africa and save the planet at the same time. However, few are selling the idea.

For example, Japanese automaker Toyota recently announced that it would invest $624 million in India to produce components for electric cars, creating 3,500 jobs. These are the kinds of projects that can and should be popping up in Africa.

Over the past two decades, Africa has attracted just 2% of the billions of dollars of renewable energy investment worldwide, and less than 3% of all jobs created in this growing sector. To boost these numbers, African governments will have to create an investment-friendly climate, negotiate more effectively to attract new firms to the region, and insist that they create local jobs and provide technical assistance for clean energy projects on the continent.

Young Africans demonstrating for change should hold placards calling on governments to provide them with “climate jobs” and “climate opportunities” rather than expecting them to “save the planet”. They should be pushing authorities to attract the massive investments needed to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create the conditions for eco-entrepreneurship to flourish.

A strong green sector can provide Africa with the economic leverage it needs to help more people start living better lives, not just in the economic sense, but also in terms of access to electricity. We will not have to rely on outdated electricity distribution systems owned by states that do not have the financial means or incentive to invest in extending the power grid to every home. Renewable energy offers the continent the opportunity to leapfrog past old systems and embark on new, decentralized ways of providing cheap and reliable electricity to all.

Africa has already made a similar leap in mobile telecommunications. The first mobile call on the continent was made in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1987. And today, Africa is the world’s fastest growing mobile telecommunications market and the world’s second largest mobile market after Asia. In just 35 years, the sector has connected more than half a billion people, created thousands of jobs, and helped successful local companies rise. Thanks to new technologies, cheaper infrastructure and equipment, competitive markets, a favorable regulatory environment, and business models for the mass market, Africa has avoided the difficulties of building fixed line infrastructure.

What mobile technology has done for Africa can be replicated in the climate sector, and we don’t need to wait for the continent’s cash-strapped governments or private sector to find the necessary funds. Instead, we need to push harder for a climate reparations plan.

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