How African communities can leverage tech to fight climate change

In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Dr. Richard Munang, the Regional Climate Change Coordinator at the UN Environment, shed light on the pressing issue of climate change in Africa and the need for innovative solutions to combat its effects. Despite the global lockdowns in 2020 leading to a temporary reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the emissions quickly rose back to previous levels as the world resumed normal activities. Dr. Munang emphasized that the impact of COVID-19 did not halt the progress of climate change, with reports showing that the trajectory is still on course to exceed 3 degrees. The vulnerability of communities in Africa and across the globe is only set to worsen with increasing emissions, leading to devastating effects like droughts, spikes in food prices, and floods. The need for urgent action is clear, as the challenges posed by climate change continue to escalate. One key point highlighted in the interview is the importance of leveraging technology and innovation to drive climate change adaptation and resilience. By harnessing the power of clean energy solutions, such as solar technology and natural-based approaches, countries in Africa can not only reduce emissions but also create jobs and build resilient communities. The potential for a 'green pandemic recovery' presents an opportunity to lower emissions, drive sustainable development, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The interview also touched upon the critical issue of funding for climate and disaster resilience efforts. Developing countries, especially in Africa, require significant financial support to enhance their climate action plans and meet the targets set out by the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework. The gap in funding is substantial, with an urgent need for innovative partnerships between public and private sectors to bridge this divide. By engaging the private sector and leveraging investments in climate action, countries can not only address the funding gap but also create economic opportunities and build climate-resilient communities. Dr. Munang emphasized the importance of tapping into the youthful population in Africa, who represent a significant portion of the workforce and can drive innovation and sustainability. The interview highlighted the high economic cost of climate change, particularly in the agriculture sector, where poor harvests result in significant losses amounting to billions of dollars. By investing in climate-resilient solutions like solar dryers and ecosystem-based adaptation techniques, countries can mitigate these losses and ensure food security for their populations. Technology was identified as a key enabler in the fight against climate change, with Dr. Munang showcasing various examples of technology applications in agriculture and clean energy. While there are pockets of innovative technologies being used across the continent, the challenge lies in scaling up these solutions and applying them effectively to combat climate change. In conclusion, the interview underscored the urgent need for concerted action to combat climate change in Africa. By leveraging technology, fostering innovative partnerships, and investing in climate-resilient solutions, countries can build a more sustainable future and mitigate the devastating impacts of climate change on communities across the continent.