Recommended Integrated Climate and Energy Policy for Africa: the Continent of many Contradictions

摘要

Africa is a continent of many contradictions: rich in natural resources, yet underdeveloped with large populations of poor people. Many African countries are generously endowed with productive land and valuable natural resources, including renewable and non-renewable resources. Although Africa is the continent least responsible for climate change, it is particularly vulnerable to its effects, including reduced agricultural production, worsening food security, the increased incidence of both flooding and drought, spreading disease and an increased risk of conflict over scarce land and water resources. Although historically least responsible for the problem, yet, according to all scientific prognoses, African countries will be hardest hit. Climate change is a major threat to sustainable growth and development in Africa, and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Africa will be unable to cope with climate mitigation and adaptation demands without substantially increasing its use of its indigenous modern energy. Africa's capacity to respond to the challenges of climate instability will be expanded by improving overall resilience, integrating climate change goals into sustainable development strategies, increasing the use of modern energy systems with reduced carbon intensity, and strengthening international initiatives. A workable strategy must be concerned not just with how to design a future in which climate change and energy security concerns are met, but also with the pathway to get there. This study aims to highlight climate change impacts and vulnerabilities, the required mitigation and adaptation policies to be adopted, strategies and policies for improving energy efficiency; applicable to Africa. The overarching goal is establishing a policy framework considering the complex and evolving links between climate change, energy security and sustainable development.