The necessity of green growth has become a serious global concern, the effects, if it is not curbed will pose dangerous threats to humans and livelihood, shifting to green economy will lead to reduction in carbon emissions and pollution, enhanced energy and resource efficiency, and prevention of the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Africa and Green Growth will have to take drastic change to achieve Green environment, such change will enhance results in improved human well-being and social equality, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In Africa, large population of the people, depend on the system of economy governments are running for livelihood, it means technically, if there are no smooth transition from the current system to Green economy it will take a deep toll on the masses.
While Green economy has taken a central stage in Europe, America and some parts of developed and developing countries. Africa is still chasing shadows, some of the policies of the governments are causing environmental hazards, which does not only affect the well-being but constantly put the environment in harm. Oil spillage in Niger Delta area of Nigeria, has put the inhabitants in environmental risks, a good part of the population that depend on fishing and farming, it take a deep toll on them, whether it spills into the river, they could hardly earn, because the water has been polluted and nothing to make of it, then farmland will lose its nutrients and will no longer be fertile.
Green economy has emerged as a critical policy, primarily taking cognizance of natural resources depletion which has been in constant threat of demise. Africa and Green Growth will provide requisite answers to stable economy African people have been longing for, only if the governments are diligent enough to implore the core tenets of this economy to drive it forward for good of Africans. When the economy takes cognizance of the environment and preservation of natural resources, it will increase high standards of living, attention will be paid on what goes in the society. Climate change is a global concern, and has posed a concerning threats to natural ecosystems and this has necessitated the need to take proper approach to save the world ecologically, by imploring a system that will take cognizance of the environment while also providing quality life to the people.
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This year witnessed was one of the hottest years in the world, the effect of climate change is telling, and the masses are becoming more vocal of green world. This has happened as a result of human activities such as burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial processes and unsustainable agriculture – that emit planet-warming gasses, referred to as greenhouse gases. Climate change has further impacted on food production, businesses and employment, as a result of drought and extreme weather conditions. This has taken a different shape in the economy, if it persists it could be more damaging than already witnessed, the world has seen climate activists disrupting sports event to get attention of what is happening, urgent response is needed to provide long lasting strategy and framework of preserving the ecosystem unless it will gradually go into extinction.
The core problems facing Africa is the framework and workability of providing means to adapt to the changing climate. Governments have to be innovative inclined and providing programmes that will enhance and promote Green economy and technology friendly systems, to make sure flood, heat and drought are substantially cushioned. Individuals will have crucial role to play by making sure they adhere to the guidelines that will enhance green economy. This will spread across all sectors, for private businesses owners to take cognizance of the guidelines with that employees and environment will be safe for hazards occasioned by climate change. Equality will be equally addressed, economy system that focused on economic expansion and industrialisation will be channelled to environment, natural systems and social justice.
According to United Nations Environment Programme held in Addis Ababa on 17 August 2023, African’s green business opportunities are abundant. This is a getaway to new approach that will enhance livelihood and further preserve the ecosystem. The report shows how collaborative efforts will drive home green economy. UNEP Deputy Executive Director, Elizabeth Mrema said “This report shows that policymakers can create an enabling environment for investments that address the triple planetary crisis by adopting robust regulatory frameworks, investing in research, innovation, and education, as well as promoting public-private partnerships and fostering collaboration across governments, businesses and local communities.” This is how manifest green ventures will enhance sustainable development in Africa, primary goals of Africa and Green Growth will be realized.
Furthermore, UNEP Director and Regional Representative for Africa, Rose Mwebaza had this to say on the need to prioritise green growth in Africa; “Africa faces not just incredible challenges on climate change, nature loss, and pollution, but has a uniquely dynamic economic landscape, youthful demographic, and opportunities for decarbonization, digital transformation and for leveraging an environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework for sustainability in the business sector,” she continued, “With this new report, we hope to inspire African entrepreneurs and businesses, especially audacious first movers, to engage in green growth and contribute to sustainable development goals.” Green growth is an economic development that will resonates with the environment and inspire change.
