AFRICA – In an open letter addressed to African heads of state and government, scientists have strongly criticized the emerging pursuit of oil, gas, and coal resources across the continent, led by former colonial and neo-colonial powers.
Published on November 27, 2023, just before the commencement of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), the letter urges African leaders to steer away from investing in the oil sector and prioritize the development of modern, decentralized renewable energy sources within the continent.
The appeal spans several African nations from Mozambique to Uganda, from Senegal to Nigeria and South Africa, and encompasses countries like Namibia, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Cameroon.
It resonates with the voices of nearly 50 African scientists and over 4,000 youth from 30 African countries.
Expressing concern over investments in fossil fuels that contradict the Paris Agreement and its prescribed 1.5°C warming limit, these African scientists and young ecologists emphasize that certain regions of Africa have already heated up by 2°C since 1900.
They caution that if current emission patterns persist, the continent might encounter an average annual temperature surge of up to 6°C by the end of the 21st century.
Ahead of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), the collective urges African governments to reject the diversion from authentic climate and biodiversity solutions endorsed by extractive industries.
They specifically oppose carbon markets and biodiversity credit markets, advocating that solely the development of modern, decentralized renewable energy sources can effectively aid the continent in mitigating and adapting to the ramifications of climate change.
Ekokinya, an environmentalist and educator at the University of Kisangani in the northeast of the DRC, articulates his hope for COP28.
He anticipates that resolutions will ensure the financing of the United Nations Fund for Loss and Damage and national adaptation plans by those primarily responsible for the climate crisis and equipped with the greatest capacity to do so.
Ekokinya stands among 50 climatologists, forest researchers, oceanographers, renewable energy specialists, and socio-economic scientists who have endorsed this open letter.
While African leadership has leaned towards increasing renewable energy investments, there is still widespread concern with the ongoing scramble for Africa by oil and gas companies and the willingness of some nations to engage in new fossil fuel investments.
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