Renewable Energy: Why Africa looks likely to continue relying on fossil fuels
The summit is championed by Kenyan President William Ruto, who doubles as the Chairman of the Committee of Heads of State of the African Union on Climate Change. It is themed: “Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World,” with the crucial objective of delivering green growth and climate finance solutions for Africa.
According to the organisers, throughout the event, Heads of state are expected to join forces to develop a united “stance on vital issues such as adaptation and resilience, renewable energy, sustainable development, food and water security, and financing for climate action on the African continent.”
At the summit, discussions are expected to serve as vital preparations for the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP 28, scheduled for November in the United Arab Emirates.
Mr Osinbajo, who was recently appointed as a “Global Advisor”, hinted that Africa needs finance to be able to transition.
“We are saying we need a Carbon market; we need finance to be able to transition. You don’t tell a country that has tremendous fossil fuel resources to one day just switch to renewable energy, no,” he said.
He explained that experts came to the summit to craft an African agenda because Africa needs finance to fulfil its climate pledges.
“We are saying that, don’t say transition without supporting that transition with adequate capital,” he said.
Mr Osinbajo said climate capital will come from the carbon market being proposed and that it is the reason why African leaders are pushing for it, in addition to other sources of finances.
He said Africa needs between $6 trillion and $7 trillion if it will do a successful transition.
“We have suffered from the pollution caused by the global north over the years using fossil fuels. For a just and transparent transition, we must have some understanding here,” he said.
Asked if there is hope for Nigeria, he replied in the affirmative, saying, “Indeed there is hope for Nigeria”.
Similarly, when asked what he thinks Africa will do differently at the forthcoming 28th edition of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) later this year, Mr Osinbajo said Africa has its own agenda, which is why the ACS conference is important.
He explained that African negotiators also present an agenda, which is why they are saying Africa can become the first truly Green civilisation in the world.
“We can become the first continent that will industrialise and grow its economy using renewable energy,” he added.
To achieve this, Mr Osinbajo said Africa needs investments and support and that the pledge of $100 billion is not what they are asking for.
“We are saying that we can have a fundamental change in the way that we approach our net zero ambition if we invest in Africa,” he noted.
“The truth of the matter is that, if Africa developed at a trajectory as the global north using fossil fuel, no one is ever going to achieve net zero by any target, so the investment has to come into Africa so that it becomes the first truly green civilisation and if we are able to do so everyone will achieve their net zero objectives.”
During his address at the summit’s opening plenary, Mr Ruto noted that in the face of the profound challenges posed by climate change in Africa, the continent stands unwavering in its commitment to confront the existential threat to all of humanity.
“Africa’s abundance of wind and solar energy can power our development, creating jobs, protecting local economies, and accelerating the sustainable industrialisation of the continent, “ the Kenyan president said.
For them to lead the way toward a sustainable and prosperous future for the continent and the world, finance and technology must be provided to developing countries.
“As we come together at the Africa Climate Summit and the Africa Climate Week, we aim to weave a single, resounding African voice that will carry the outcomes of these crucial events to COP28 and beyond,” Mr Ruto said.
According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, while Africa’s per capita emissions are significantly lower than the global average, the continent is disproportionately affected by rising global temperatures and escalating climate consequences.
It said drought, desertification, and cyclones, among others, are causing food shortages, displacement, and migration.
At the same time, the UN said the continent is rich in resources like renewable energy, minerals, agriculture, and natural capital, standing ready to drive its own green growth.
“Africa accounts for just four per cent of global emissions. Yet it suffers some of the worst effects of rising global temperatures: The people of Africa — and people everywhere — need action to respond to deadly climate extremes. I’m convinced Africa can be at the heart of a renewable future. Now is the time for all countries to stand as one in defence of our only home,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
“African countries have the potential to be the frontrunners in renewable energy, sustainable land use and innovative technologies, attracting investment, facilitating technology transfer, and positioning African nations as leaders in the global transition to green development,” the UN said.
On his part, Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, said: “The world is asking a lot: Develop, but don’t do it in the carbon-intensive way that we did. It is a global responsibility to collectively work out how we do that. And that’s exactly what we’re here to do.”
“So African nations can come to COP28 leading in action and ambition. The discussions here will inform the global stocktake about the challenges, barriers, solutions and opportunities for climate action and support within the context of Africa.