Climate, Conservation and Environment

Climate, Conservation, & Environment

We believe African countries have a unique role as global partners in facing the challenges and opportunities generated by climate change.

Our planet is suffering. The climate is unpredictable, numerous species are going extinct, natural resources are being wasted, and many of our ecosystems are under enormous stress. While Africa is responsible for only 4% of global greenhouse-gas emissions, at least 65% of the African population is considered to be directly impacted by the effects of climate change and other environmental risks.

Environmental Sustainability

The Pan-African Council believes African countries have a unique role as global partners in facing the challenges and opportunities generated by climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. Furthermore, Africa holds the moral high ground on implementing solutions and policies that ensure we are protecting our natural environment now and into the future.

The Council advocates for the transformations that will be required to protect our planet's health. In particular, Africa is distinctly positioned to innovate solutions for adaptation and resilience across three critical systems — food, energy, and waste:

Food

With the risks imposed by floods, droughts and other disasters disrupting African food supplies, food sovereignty and production needs to harness greater efficiency and resilience to changing and unpredictable climate patterns. Strengthening food security while encouraging and empowering Africans to adopt healthier and more sustainable farming techniques to maximize nutrient density is vital to public health outcomes.

Energy

The world needs to support the transition from carbon-emitting fossil fuels to cleaner energy production sources that leapfrog the old ways electricity generation. This means implementing regulations, policies and innovations that push the African continent towards cleaner sources of energy and increased energy efficiency.

Waste

The global market for waste tends to ship waste to poorer parts of the world, leaving many African countries vulnerable to hazardous materials that pose serious risks to human health. In addition, easily recycled and repurposed waste created across Africa is often left to the landfills. African governments must create incentives for public and private sector actors to design for a circular economy on their soil and work to increase consumer conscientiousness on the products they use.