F. G. Oyeniyi (SDSN Nigeria)
Ahead of COP28, calls from the international community to accelerate efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, adopt policies for climate adaptation, and support sustainable development all over the world are brought to the forefront. In Africa, the need for these actions are even greater, given the urgency and impact of climate change on the continent, which lacks sufficient capacity to cope with a significant change in climatic conditions. Some of the ill-effects of climate change in the continent include but not limited to greater droughts, more heat waves and potential crop failures, flooding, and emergence of diseases.
Africa has the youngest population in the world, with a median age of 18.8 years. Inaction, therefore, has dire consequences on the development of the continent and the lives of the next generation. By leveraging Africa’s youth in finding climate solutions and offsetting carbon, Africa can set the pace for wide-ranging and long-standing development.
African youth-led climate offset projects are gaining traction throughout the continent and provide a glimpse of hope in the face of climate change. Many creative youths have shown commitment to addressing urgent environmental problems that have an impact on both their local communities and the entire world.
For instance, planting trees has become popular among African youths to combat climate change. Trees serve as a major carbon sink, and thus help improve air quality while at the same time greening the environment. To illustrate the youth’s commitment to reducing climate change, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Green Legacy project in Ethiopia motivated millions of young people to plant millions of trees in a single day. And at Osun State University in Nigeria, students are partnered with horticulturists who guide them in planting a tree seedling. Each seedling is nurtured by students through graduation. The great green wall initiative of the African Union is another noteworthy youth engagement opportunity. This initiative aims to transform the lives of millions within the Sahelian and Saharan zones of Africa by creating a mosaic of green and productive landscapes. These models can be replicated across University campuses throughout the African continent.
Developing innovative technologies to improve mining and extractive industries is another opportunity where youth can offer their support. The African continent is renowned for being resource-rich, holding at least 30% of the world’s mineral reserves. Many of the essential minerals and raw materials that spur economic expansion and technical advancement are sourced from mines. However, the use of mines must be combined with a comprehensive plan to optimize social impact and environmental performance. This is not only a matter of ethics and legal compliance for sustainable mining firms, but also improves business. In addition to lowering production costs and boosting competitiveness, new technologies assist miners in decreasing their environmental impact. For instance, Artificial Intelligence can help reduce the impact of mining operations on the environment. Drones and autonomous vehicles driven by Artificial Intelligence are now capable of carrying out risky operations that formerly required workers to be present in remote locations.These technologies work to increase energy efficiency and improve air and water quality. Future mining sustainability will therefore be shaped by a progressive governance approach with these technologies at the center. Youths are well primed to key into this opportunity as they are more open to technological innovations required in extractive industries.
There are also a number of sustainable agriculture efforts being spearheaded by African youths. They are contributing to lowering the carbon footprint of agriculture and improving food security by supporting agroforestry, crop rotation, and organic farming. These activities not only offset carbon emissions, but also enhance the livelihoods of rural communities. Youth activists and supporters are committed to tackling the urgent environmental problems that impact both their local communities and the global community. As a testament to youth innovation in climate-smart agriculture, there has been a significant inflow of Foreign Direct Investment into the sector over the last decade.
Climate change poses significant challenges to the continent and addressing it is critical to protecting the planet and ensuring prosperity for all. There is a moral imperative to address climate change in Africa, as many of the countries therein have made the least contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions but bear some of the greatest burdens. It is important, therefore, for development partners to involve youths in meaningful efforts to tackle climate change in the continent.