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\nNAIROBI:\u00a0The historic first Africa Climate Summit held this week allowed the continent to set out how its countries can tackle global warming \u2014 with the Arab world taking a key role in shaping the conversation.<\/p>\n
\nLed by Kenyan President William Ruto, the unprecedented gathering underscored the urgent need for global action to combat climate change, placing the Arab angle at the forefront of discussions.<\/p>\n
\nThe summit, held from Sept. 4 to 6 in Kenya\u2019s capital Nairobi, set a powerful precedent for cross-continental cooperation, with the goal of harnessing collective strength to mitigate the far-reaching impacts of climate change and secure a sustainable future for both regions.<\/p>\n
\nClimate scientists say that Africa\u2019s susceptibility to climate change is evident, with 17 out of the 20 most affected countries in the world situated on the continent, despite their minimal contribution to global emissions.<\/p>\n
\nLeaders from both Africa and abroad concur that addressing this issue necessitates unified global efforts to assist the continent.<\/p>\n
\nPresident Ruto\u2019s call for Africa to be recognized as a formidable partner, rather than \u201ca passive victim,\u201d in the battle against global warming has garnered substantial support from regional leaders.<\/p>\n
\nArab nations are seizing this opportunity to play a pivotal role in supporting the continent\u2019s climate resilience efforts, recognizing that financial assistance is a crucial aspect of unlocking Africa\u2019s green economic potential.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 To combat the climate crisis and enhance Africa\u2019s resilience, technology transfer is essential.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Arab nations, including the UAE, have pledged substantial financial support.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Challenges in gaining local acceptance sheds shadow on some climate solutions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nIn this context, the Africa Climate Summit can serve as \u201ca catalyst for collaborative initiatives that transcend borders,\u201d Isaac Ndyamuhaki, a Ugandan climate action activist and top finalist of the Africa Climate Innovation Challenge 2023, told Arab News, emphasizing \u201cthe potential of these initiatives in finding practical solutions to the climate crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHe added: \u201cNow, African and Arab countries join forces to develop innovative projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and bolstering climate resilience.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nIn the midst of this dynamic debate, the continent faces the challenge of balancing its economic potential in fossil fuels with the need for developing renewable energy to tackle global warming.<\/p>\n
\nWhile some African countries, such as Uganda and Kenya, embrace cleaner energy options including electric vehicles and solar energy at the household level, nations like Nigeria and Senegal, with substantial oil and gas reserves, argue that these resources are crucial for economic growth and increased energy access.<\/p>\n
\nNigeria\u2019s oil-producing sector is expected to endure for several more decades, and Senegal has recently made substantial oil and gas discoveries. Namibia is navigating a middle ground, attracting investments in renewable energy while exploring potential oil fields off its coast.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cFor the African continent a just and gradual shift is of utmost importance,\u201d Ndyamuhaki stated, stressing that \u201cgovernments and communities need time to adapt.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAgainst the background of the conference, the spotlight shines on the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative which is striving to expand carbon offsetting activities on the continent, with the aim of producing 300 million carbon credits annually by 2030.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\nAfrican leaders believe this initiative can unlock billions in revenue for climate financing. In this regard, the UAE\u2019s pledge of $4.5 billion in clean energy investments in Africa stands out, highlighting their support for the continent\u2019s transition to green energy.<\/p>\n
\nNonetheless, challenges persist as the issue of climate offsets is becoming increasingly contested, raising questions about the effectiveness of green solutions.<\/p>\n
\nGabon, one of Africa\u2019s most carbon-positive nations, received \u00a3119 million for reducing emissions in 2019. However, this West African country recently experienced a coup, highlighting the complexities of implementing carbon schemes. It\u2019s a stark reminder that global climate change policies often require local population support in the so-called Global South.<\/p>\n
\nAcknowledging the criticism from climate organizations and activists about carbon markets, Joe Lohose, a Congolese energy and climate expert, told Arab News that: \u201cInvesting in carbon offsets is a positive step but the challenge typically lies in the execution phase.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHe emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive strategy involving governments, institutions, and individuals, and stresses that genuine progress depends on collaboration and accountability among all stakeholders.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThe proper strategy must encompass investments in renewable energy, the improvement of energy efficiency, the preservation of natural resources, and the cultivation of sustainable practices,\u201d Lohose added.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\nNow, African and Arab countries join forces to develop innovative projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and bolstering climate resilience.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nIsaac Ndyamuhaki, Ugandan climate action activist<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nHe went on to say: \u201cThe history of international climate agreements, like the Paris Agreement, has shown that fulfilling commitments can be a struggle. But these commitments coming from Africa and their dedication to finding solutions for global climate change mark a promising beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nImportantly, experts emphasize that technology transfer is a vital element in strengthening Africa\u2019s resilience against climate change. The Arab world\u2019s technological advancements hold the key to enhancing Africa\u2019s capacity to combat climate change, from renewable energy solutions to advanced agricultural practices. Wangari Muter, Africa director at the Global Wind Energy Council, underscored the importance of green industrialization, with increased investments in renewables and the development of renewable energy manufacturing capacity.<\/p>\n
\nAfrica currently generates only half of the Netherlands\u2019 solar energy production, highlighting the potential for growth in the continent\u2019s renewable energy sector. The affordability of solar technology could address Africa\u2019s energy poverty crisis, estimated to cost $25 billion \u2014 as much as establishing a mid-sized energy plant in Europe.<\/p>\n
\nDespite these promising prospects, Africa received a mere 3 percent of global clean energy investment in the previous year, highlighting financial disparities in the clean energy landscape.<\/p>\n
\nAfrican nations also face higher borrowing costs compared to the World Bank, revealing inefficiencies in securing funds for sustainable initiatives. Globally, the renewable energy sector is surging, with 80 percent of new power plants being of the renewable variety this year, with solar energy leading the charge.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThe transition to electric vehicles is also accelerating,\u201d Ndyamuhaki, the climate action activist, explained, with the market share of electric cars rising from one in 25 to an impressive one in five in just two years. This aligns with the broader trend of increasing investments in clean energy, which has surged to $1.7 trillion, nearly doubling its 2015 figures, while fossil fuel investments have stagnated at $1 trillion.<\/p>\n
\nFor Ndyamuhaki, \u201csupporting sustainable initiatives and businesses in Africa is not only an investment in our future but also a global commitment to combating climate change.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n