A January 2022 report by the African Development Bank and the International Renewable Energy Agency revealed that fossil fuel makes up about 40% of the total energy mix in Sub-Saharan Africa. These numbers are set to rise as oil and natural gas exploration projects throughout the continent increase. Energy is key to Africa’s development, however, access is greatly limited. Renewable energy is also becoming an important part of Africa’s energy sector. The urgency to address climate change and global warming has led to an increased push for African nations to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. While this is a key development, leaders must ensure that climate reforms do not increase inequalities on the continent. The climate opportunity in Africa requires key partnerships that will not exploit Africa’s resources at the expense of its people. In this webinar, our guests will discuss climate change and the inequitable sides of climate reforms. Should green energy reforms be encouraged in Africa? If so, at what costs?
Mitchelle Mhaka is an intersectional climate justice activist. She is the educational coordinator for the African Climate Alliance (ACA) where she shares information to young people who want to learn about climate change and issues related to it.
Amara Nwankpa is Director of the Public Policy Initiative at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Foundation, Abuja, Nigeria where he develops public policy advocacy projects and campaigns. He also supports fundraiser and stakeholder management activities. His research interests include food security, climate change, natural resource exploration, and youth policy initiatives. Prominent among his publications is a research work on Food Security in Nigeria’s Changing Climate.
Kevin Kodjo Ossah is a climate activist, environmentalist, and social entrepreneur. He is currently the Executive Director of the Young Committed for Sustainable Development, OJEDD INTERNATIONAL. He also currently serves as the West Africa Regional Coordinator of the African Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC). Ossah is interested in tackling climate adaptation for local and sustainable development.