Groups from across Africa are urging its leaders to take decisive action on what is most affecting the climate – and to end fossil fuels now as 40 world leaders gather to participate in President Joe Biden’s first step onto the international climate stage
Among the 40 world leaders is the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President, Felix Tshisekedi who is the current Chairperson of the African Union and will be representing Africa’s interests and climate ambitions.
The Leaders Summit on Climate will hold Thursday 22nd April to Friday 23rd with the aims to underscore the urgency of immediate and stronger climate action. It will be a key milestone on the road to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) this November in Glasgow.
At the virtual summit, the world’s major economies will share their efforts to reduce emissions during this critical decade to keep a limit to warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach.
Landry Ninteretse, 350.org Africa Regional Director stated that 1.5 degrees is the global beacon for climate action noting that the safety and wellbeing of millions of Africans depend on keeping below it.
He noted that it is slipping from the grasp while noting the urgent need to halve global emissions by 2030, which means that there must be a limit on fossil fuel consumption and stop new developments such as the EACOP and Mozambique LNG projects that threaten this climate ambition.
“Fixing the climate crisis requires more than simply cutting carbon; we need bold action that prioritizes alternative sources of energy that meet the needs of the people and accelerate investments in real climate solutions with the aim of driving a fast and sustainable transition away from fossil fuels’ he stated
Vanessa Nakate, Climate Activist in Uganda and Founder of RiseUp Movement called for urgent action on the climate crisis that is already destroying vast parts of the African continent.
She described it as tragic and ironic for the African continent that is the lowest emitters of CO2 to be among the most affected, urging leaders to make a decisive move to keep all fossil fuels in the ground.
“We demand more from our world leaders than empty promises, empty solutions and empty negotiations at Biden’s Climate Summit.
We all need to keep up the pressure on our governments at home as well as on the international stage to take urgent action now to reduce carbon emissions and ensure a Just Recovery by creating a sustainable, fossil-free world”, stated Vanessa.
Andre Moliro, Climate Activist in the DRC said the decision to allow the exploration of oil in protected areas across Africa such as the Virunga National Park is not only a threat to the climate but to the livelihoods of local communities and habitats of critically endangered species.
“We call on Africa Presidents urging them that they have a role to play in limiting the warming of the planet and they need to stop authorizing and licencing fossil fuel companies in their countries such as Efora that seek to benefit themselves while disenfranchising local communities”.
Michael Terungwa, Campaigner at Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation in Nigeria said governments around the world are switching to clean, efficient and sustainable energy alternatives and with Nigeria being a signatory to the Paris Agreement, there is no more room for carbon emissions resulting from coal mining.
“After years of granting licences to the fossil fuel industry, Nigeria still experiences extreme power cuts with many people still lacking access to electricity. Furthermore, a huge population remains poor even after promises of economic progress in the country.
It is time for the Nigerian government to embrace a green economy, build back better and stop the issuance of any more licences towards fossil fuels exploration in the country”.
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