Africa has the youngest and fastest growing workforce on the planet and with its massive natural resources, including arable land and critical mineral assets, it can develop the first green industrial civilization, greening global manufacturing and supply chains and removing carbon from the air. Africa is perhaps the only region today, ironically on account of its low development base that can truly achieve green growth, and economic growth without growing emissions, or even keeping emissions constant, but actively addressing the reduction of emissions and the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.” - Prof. Yemi Osinbajo
It is generally believed that climate action and economic growth are incompatible, that is to realize effective climate action, you must sacrifice growth. This is a price African youth are not willing to pay, as they are the generation that will live through the consequences of climate change. It is time to collaborate, think outside the box and bring in youth engagement because these are the avenues economic growth and effective climate action can work together.
In recent years, African youth have become more proactive and involved to the contribution of sustainable development and mitigating climate change impacts on the continent. They are promoting renewable energy, fostering sustainable health and agriculture, advocating for environmental conservation, and addressing socio-economic inequalities exacerbated by climate change through grassroots projects to drive positive change and shape a more sustainable and resilient future for the continent.
Future Perspectives is committed to ensuring that African youth are well informed and educated on climate science and its impact on local communities through the Africa Future Earth Initiative (AFEI). This will empower real grassroots solutions to combat climate crisis on the continent.