Africa must go green

Climate change experts from Africa and beyond have called on African governments to focus on cutting carbon emissions as they industrialise their economies.
They made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking at the 8th Africa Carbon Forum (ACF) in Rwanda’s capital Kigali.
Rwanda is hosted the high level climate change meeting that ends today, with a focus on Africa’s road map to sustainable development and shared prosperity and how to turn climate challenges into opportunities.
It has brought together scholars in climate change and air pollution, investors and policy makers.
“Africa can easily become the world leader in low-carbon development if it takes into consideration the existing opportunities of climate change impact mitigation measures,” said Lucas Brusa, UN Climate Change Secretariat’s lead stakeholder.
He noted that African policy makers are aware of the consequences of inaction on climate change, which includes temperatures rising by more than 4°C by the end of the century.
“African leaders and policy makers should put much emphasis towards transforming their economic structures by making sure that low carbon economy is infused in the minds of the young generation,” Brusa added.
Africa Carbon Forum is one of the largest gatherings of green growth and climate resilience development experts from around the world.
According to Mulugeta Mengist Ayalew, climate change affairs director at Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, more climate observation networks on the continent are needed to assist in real-time monitoring and data collection.
“Our hope is that the current global enthusiasm for a climate change agreement will be matched by action during implementation. Our leaders should put in mind that climate change is the greatest challenge confronting humankind,” he stated.
The three-day meeting will also see experts discussing some of the possible and available opportunities Africa could explore to enhance low carbon growth in the wake of the changing climatic conditions.
Vincent Biruta, Rwanda minister of natural resources said that some countries need extra support to reduce emissions and achieve climate resilient development through technological transfer.
“Africa Carbon Forum is an opportunity for Rwanda to share with Africa and the rest of the world its initiatives to reduce carbon emissions.
I am sure we are up to the task, but we must keep focus and a strong sense of urgency,” he noted.
Since April, countries started appending signatures on the Paris climate agreement.
As of June 24, there are 178 signatories to the Paris Agreement, including Rwanda.
ACF supports Africa’s participation in global carbon markets and its access to green investment with a range of conference sessions, side events and networking opportunities.

NAMPA/XINHUA