By Patience Chat Moses
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, a contentious debate has emerged between African nations and their European counterparts. At the heart of this dispute lies the issue of energy development, with African nations seeking to exploit their fossil fuel resources to drive economic growth, while European nations, as high emitters, urge them to transition to renewable energy sources.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Africa accounts for only 3% of global carbon emissions, despite being home to 17% of the world’s population. In contrast, the European Union (EU) is responsible for 10% of global emissions, with the United States contributing a staggering 14%. These statistics underscore the disproportionate burden of climate change mitigation efforts placed on African nations.
Africa’s Case Vs High Emitters
African countries argue that they need to exploit their fossil fuel resources to achieve economic development and industrialization, just as European nations did during their own development phases. Nigeria, for example, has an estimated 37 billion barrels of oil reserves, while Tanzania boasts an estimated 55 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves. Harnessing these resources could provide a significant boost to their economies.
African nations point fingers at high carbon emitters like the United States, China, and the European Union, accusing them of shirking responsibility for global warming. On the other hand, these industrialized nations often counter by highlighting the current emissions trends in rapidly developing economies. The question remains: Is this blame game helping or hindering the global fight against climate change? The climate crisis necessitates a rapid transition to cleaner energy sources. The IEA estimates that to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the world must reduce carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. African nations, therefore, face a daunting challenge: balancing their development aspirations with the need to mitigate climate change.
The recent COP29 conference highlighted the complexities of this issue. African nations, led by the African Union, emphasized the need for a just and equitable transition to cleaner energy sources. They argued that developed nations must provide significant financial and technological support to enable African countries to leapfrog to cleaner energy sources.
Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, N.J Ayuk, noted during the African Energy Week 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa, “Africa needs to develop its energy resources to meet the needs of its growing population and economy. We cannot afford to leave our resources in the ground while our people suffer from energy poverty.”
Equatorial Guinea’s Ex-Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Gabriel Obiang Lima, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We need to find a balance between our economic development and environmental concerns. We cannot sacrifice our economic growth for the sake of climate change mitigation.”
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, emphasized the importance of natural gas in Africa’s energy transition, saying, “Natural gas is a cleaner-burning fuel that can help reduce our carbon footprint. We need to invest in gas infrastructure to meet our energy needs and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, adding that African Nations be allowed to transition at their own pace.
What Next?
As global temperatures climb and extreme weather events become more frequent, tensions are mounting. Developing nations, particularly those in the Global South, argue that they are disproportionately affected by climate change despite contributing the least to global emissions. Africa is at the heat of advocacies. It has to struggle to balance its development aspirations with the need to mitigate climate change. Throwing shades will not bring a solution to the climate change issues. Solutions will come when all nations join forces to walk together. High-income countries must fulfil and exceed their pledge of $100 billion annually to help developing nations adapt to and mitigate climate change.
Collaborative efforts in clean energy technology transfer and capacity building can create mutual benefits, reducing emissions while supporting development. Instead of throwing blame at each other, world energy leaders should sponsor research on possible means of cleaning the ozone layer. This will allow developing countries to continue with exploration activities without environmental hazards lingering. While historical emitters must take the lead in cutting emissions, emerging economies should adopt sustainable pathways, supported by international partnerships. The focus should shift from apportioning blame to enabling equitable solutions. Countries in vulnerable regions like Africa, the Pacific Islands, and South Asia must unify their voices to demand actionable commitments, ensuring that their unique challenges are addressed.
Investing in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower can reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Although leaders in Africa’s energy argue that renewable energy sources cannot power and sustain the industrial development that awaits African countries. The Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization once asked if solar panels and windmills were the forces behind Europe and America’s development. Integrating renewables however will lower emission rates to some extent.
Forging ahead to resolving the great energy dilemma facing Africa requires a collective effort, acknowledging the historical responsibilities of high-emitting nations and supporting African nations in their development aspirations while promoting sustainable and equitable solutions that benefit humanity and the planet.