The hope of ‘a low carbon sustainable future for all Africans’
SANDTON – The campaign calls for the use of 100 per cent renewable energy and more transparency in the energy sector.
A campaign called Zero, which encourages a commitment to renewable energy and transparency in the energy sector, was launched in Sandton on 7 November.
The campaign is a coalition campaign between climate change volunteers and non-profit organisations from around the continent. The launch of the campaign coincides with the Africa Investment Forum, which is hosted by the African Development Bank (AfDb).
Nicole Rodel, the communications officer for the African Climate Reality Project, said they asked people to sign their names to a postcard which had a short message directed to Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the president of the Africa Development Bank. It briefly outlines the key asks of the campaign which they plan to send to the bank’s head office in Abidjan.
They also handed out information about the campaign to encourage people to go online and participate in a digital campaign.
“Our ultimate goal is for a low carbon sustainable future for all Africans and the shift from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas to renewable energy is vital as the latter is less costly and will create more jobs, build sustainable infrastructure, and does not contribute to pollution or harmful emissions which cause irreversible damage to our climate,” said Rodel.
The Zero coalition calls on the bank for increased transparency concerning the disclosure of possible and impending investments.
A recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns of the devastating impacts of warming beyond 1.5 °C. As temperatures continue rising, people will experience catastrophic impacts related to climate change.
“The costs of this damage, including increased civil unrest, migration and destruction of infrastructure, will require significant funding to ensure the wellbeing of African lives – and it becomes the responsibility of the region’s governments and public institutions, like the AfDB, to lead the world by example towards demonstrable and marked reduction in emissions,” added Rodel.
She added that they were really happy with the launch of the campaign and saw hundreds of people signing the postcards calling for the use of 100 per cent renewable energy.
“Among the campaigners and volunteers who were present, we were also joined by one of our climate reality leaders, Sunny the Solar Guy, who brought solar equipment to display how effective and cost-effective off-grid solar energy can be, especially for providing energy access for those who are not connected to national grids,” concluded Rodel.
Details: African Climate Reality Project africa@climatereality.com
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