Dr. Richard Munang

Africa is under siege. With an estimated 621 million Africans without electricity, and the gap expanding, energy poverty is high. This impacts on Africa’s growth on multiple levels. Implementing the Paris Agreement cannot be done without taking account of this grave reality.

The next generation of Continental icons will arise out of progress in accelerating socioeconomic transformation in Africa. And focusing on the continents catalytic sectors provides the means for this ascend.

Africa’s precarious energy security is threatening the continent’s ascend to actualize the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With an estimated 621 million Africans without electricity and the gap expanding, energy poverty is impacting Africa’s growth on multiple levels. Going forward, bridging the energy gap is an urgent imperative to truly leave no one behind and secure Africa’s place in the 21st Century.

Since December 2015, when 195 countries signed the Paris Agreement on climate change, several countries in Africa have begun implementing climate resilience activities that will allow them to better absorb and adapt to harsh climatic changes.

However, an assessment of the continent’s progress in combating climate change brings to mind a popular African proverb: “A large chair does not make a king”—in other words, huge implementation challenges remain. Africa’s policy makers, however, are… Show more

Since December 2015, when 195 countries signed the Paris Agreement on climate change, several countries in Africa have begun implementing climate resilience activities that will allow them to better absorb and adapt to harsh climatic changes.

However, an assessment of the continent’s progress in combating climate change brings to mind a popular African proverb: “A large chair does not make a king”—in other words, huge implementation challenges remain. Africa’s policy makers, however, are eager to meet these challenges, believing that achieving the objectives of the climate change deal could unlock the continent’s socio-economic potential. Show less

Africa’s precarious energy security is threatening the continent’s ability to actualise the Sustainable Development Goals. Bridging the continent’s energy gap is an urgent imperative if we want to truly secure Africa’s place in the 21st century. But is nuclear the way to go?

Standing between Africa and the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the lion of youth unemployment. This challenge, if left unaddressed, could have more dramatic consequences than climate change, disease and even poverty.

The prevailing drought in large parts of Africa is proof that climate change is already exacerbating the chronic challenges of food insecurity, poverty and environmental degradation. Dr Richard Munang suggests strategic, operational and sustainable solutions and advocates collective effort.

It is no longer tenable to keep talking about Africa's great potential; rather, it is time to fulfil that potential for the benefit of present and future generations. Knowing fully well that Africa's past has long been defined by natural resources, its future should be defined by bringing together the collective strengths of its people's skills and talent.

And there is a formula of how this can be done: Leveraging catalytic sectors for which the continent holds comparative advantage… Show more

It is no longer tenable to keep talking about Africa's great potential; rather, it is time to fulfil that potential for the benefit of present and future generations. Knowing fully well that Africa's past has long been defined by natural resources, its future should be defined by bringing together the collective strengths of its people's skills and talent.

And there is a formula of how this can be done: Leveraging catalytic sectors for which the continent holds comparative advantage, through dedicating resources available to the continent. These resources, both physical (such as technological, institutional, financial, and the demographic dividend, where the majority of sub-Saharan Africa is under the age 25) and non-physical (including intellectual, partnerships, policies, networks), could all be utilised for a comparative advantage with a global competitive edge. Show less

Climate change exacerbates the chronic challenges of food insecurity, poverty and conflict. What is required is an integrated approach that views climate change and socio-economic development as mutually dependent.

Achieving agro-industrialization cannot be a reality without factoring in climate change and healthy ecosystems.

In recent years, national leaders have pursued many new development initiatives. Among them are the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on sustainable financing, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris climate agreement and the World Trade Organization’s Nairobi Package.

These frameworks, which dovetail with the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063, could fast-track the continent’s development, and even fulfil the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) over the next 15… Show more

In recent years, national leaders have pursued many new development initiatives. Among them are the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on sustainable financing, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris climate agreement and the World Trade Organization’s Nairobi Package.

These frameworks, which dovetail with the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063, could fast-track the continent’s development, and even fulfil the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) over the next 15 years. Show less

At the Paris climate conference (COP21) in December 2015, 195 countries adopted the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate deal. Richard Munang and Robert Mgendi write that the terms of the deal present Africa with an opportunity for long-term sustainable economic growth.

With climate change posing a serious threat to the livelihoods of millions, the future of the African continent depends on tackling challenges in governance,

The world is more interconnected than ever before. With the right partnerships in place, Richard Munang and Robert Mgendi argue, Africa can go a long way toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

If Africa succeeded in building climate resilience into its agricultural sector, poverty could be dealt a major blow.

An old African proverb proclaims, “It is the young trees that make up the forest.” What this means in the present context is that Africa’s youth will determine its future. Indeed, Africa will not rise unless young people provide leadership and leverage their tech-savviness to mobilise for the realisation of better policies – policies that promote inclusive development.

Africa’s development and climate change experts are confident that the historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change that was unanimously adopted last December in Paris will be a win for the continent. At the Paris summit, 195 countries agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions and enhance adaptation in a way that will keep global temperature increase to “well below 2° C” and, more optimistically, to attempt to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

For Africa, the sweet spot in the deal is an… Show more

Africa’s development and climate change experts are confident that the historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change that was unanimously adopted last December in Paris will be a win for the continent. At the Paris summit, 195 countries agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions and enhance adaptation in a way that will keep global temperature increase to “well below 2° C” and, more optimistically, to attempt to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

For Africa, the sweet spot in the deal is an agreement to allocate money to the adaptation and climate mitigation needs of developing countries. African negotiators had urged rich countries to build on the promise by developed countries to ramp up climate financing by $100 billion by 2020 for developing countries, in line with the 2012 Cancún commitment. They got their wish, plus more, because the Paris deal stipulates that the $100 billion commitment will be revised upward from 2025. Show less

September 2015 saw Africa’s Heads of States and Governments join their counterparts from across the globe to unanimously adopt the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the 70th UN General Assembly. This signaled a common global intent to transition into economic, social and environmental progress in the next 15 years: a united, mutually collective front against hunger, malnutrition, poverty, unemployment, disease, climate change, low agricultural productivity, degraded ecosystems and social… Show more

September 2015 saw Africa’s Heads of States and Governments join their counterparts from across the globe to unanimously adopt the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the 70th UN General Assembly. This signaled a common global intent to transition into economic, social and environmental progress in the next 15 years: a united, mutually collective front against hunger, malnutrition, poverty, unemployment, disease, climate change, low agricultural productivity, degraded ecosystems and social inequity, among the notable challenges facing Africa. Show less

Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other commitments, including the recent Paris Agreement on Climate Change, will require trillions of dollars in investment, and public financing alone is inadequate. More so for Africa, which already faces financing challenges; achieving sustainable development will require diversified financing, beyond traditional international public finance.

The just ended year 2015 was the African Union’s Year of Women Empowerment. In post 2015, one thing is apparent – that Africa will not effectively achieve food security and poverty reduction unless the gender gap in economic opportunities is narrowed. Indeed the importance of women in development is well acknowledged in monumental high level policy decisions. The historic Paris Climate deal marked the first time a climate deal incorporated within its text, gender as a critical consideration… Show more

The just ended year 2015 was the African Union’s Year of Women Empowerment. In post 2015, one thing is apparent – that Africa will not effectively achieve food security and poverty reduction unless the gender gap in economic opportunities is narrowed. Indeed the importance of women in development is well acknowledged in monumental high level policy decisions. The historic Paris Climate deal marked the first time a climate deal incorporated within its text, gender as a critical consideration when taking action to address climate change.

“Women’s access to reliable markets,” also highlights the vital need to achieve gender parity to realize meaningful development. This is in sync with Africa’s own development blue-print, the AU Agenda 2063, which mentions gender parity no less than 35 times, and envisions full gender equality in all spheres of life by 2030. Show less

Delivering food security in Africa will not depend upon declarations of good intent but the willingness to innovate, to drive change, develop and scale up appropriate technologies, transform institutions and make Africa the continent of everyone’s dreams: full of prosperity and inclusive growth for hundreds of millions of people.

Nearly 200 countries from across the globe collectively and unanimously adopted a historic climate deal that commits all countries to emissions cuts and prioritized adaptation. The agreement’s takeaways include keeping global temperature increase “well below” 2C and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5C, countries to submit updated NDCs every 5 years with each succeeding NDC being progressively more ambitious than the preceding one is a positive step, balanced allocation of finances between… Show more

Nearly 200 countries from across the globe collectively and unanimously adopted a historic climate deal that commits all countries to emissions cuts and prioritized adaptation. The agreement’s takeaways include keeping global temperature increase “well below” 2C and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5C, countries to submit updated NDCs every 5 years with each succeeding NDC being progressively more ambitious than the preceding one is a positive step, balanced allocation of finances between adaptation and mitigation needs of developing countries; developed countries to communicate every two years the “indicative” amount of money that they will be able to raise over the next two years, and amounts from public financing and developing countries encouraged to raise domestic resources on voluntary basis. It is worth noting Africa could raise up to $3 billion annually domestically for adaptation by 2020.

Considering Africa is most vulnerable to past emissions yet its emissions are negligible, inclusion of adaption financing, and a strong review mechanism to increase the amount over time is a vital highlight. In addition, considering the region is not locked in ‘carbon intensive growth models’ this deal is a probable win-win, providing an opportunity for sustainable industrial development with minimal or zero transition costs by leveraging opportunities in both adaptation and mitigation. But this is not a given. Show less

The world is congregating in Paris for CoP21 with objective to securing a new climate deal. This is expected to provide the much needed framework for actualizing the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development adopted by world leaders just 3 months ago. This event comes just in time following the launch of the 2015 Emissions Gap Report which concludes that the INDC pledges by countries are far from enough and put the world on track for warming of around 3-3.50C by 2100 despite the global target for… Show more

The world is congregating in Paris for CoP21 with objective to securing a new climate deal. This is expected to provide the much needed framework for actualizing the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development adopted by world leaders just 3 months ago. This event comes just in time following the launch of the 2015 Emissions Gap Report which concludes that the INDC pledges by countries are far from enough and put the world on track for warming of around 3-3.50C by 2100 despite the global target for a below 20C scenario.

The implication is Africa’s adaptation costs could soar to $50 – 100 billion by 2050. How funds will be raised to ensure adaptation as well as keep temperatures from rising to dangerous levels is critical to the realization of the Agenda 2030 in Africa and beyond. Notwithstanding that international climate financing is expected to be among key items to be addressed by the Paris deal, there is consensus in the global community that financing development and especially the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development will require trillions of dollars, and public financing alone is inadequate. Continentally, this consensus is captured in a number of continental blue prints including the key AU Agenda 2063, and recent AMCEN Cairo declaration and the 2015 second Africa Adaptation Gap report (AAGR2). Show less

In Africa, agriculture is not only a source of food and nutrition but of incomes, employing up to 64 percent of labor on the continent with women producing up to 80 percent of food. It is therefore the most accessible sector. Investments to enhance productivity in this sector will ensure not only food security but also inclusive growth, opportunity and poverty reduction to catalyze achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

While the agriculture sector is highly potent… Show more

In Africa, agriculture is not only a source of food and nutrition but of incomes, employing up to 64 percent of labor on the continent with women producing up to 80 percent of food. It is therefore the most accessible sector. Investments to enhance productivity in this sector will ensure not only food security but also inclusive growth, opportunity and poverty reduction to catalyze achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

While the agriculture sector is highly potent in achieving the SDGs and ensuring a healthy and prosperous Africa, this postulation is not pre-ordained neither can it be achieved in isolation. A number of enablers to this optimization, including policies, institutions, investments and markets have to be addressed to unleash this latent potential in the agro-sector. Show less

African countries have the most visa requirements in the world. This low level of integration relates not only to the movement of people but to trade. Africa as a continent has the lowest level of intra-trade, a mere 12 percent, compared to 65 percent in Europe, 45 percent in North America and 25 percent in South East Asia. With the restricted integration, Africa is losing on the economic front and potential to build socioeconomic resilience at community & economy wide scales.

Policy… Show more

African countries have the most visa requirements in the world. This low level of integration relates not only to the movement of people but to trade. Africa as a continent has the lowest level of intra-trade, a mere 12 percent, compared to 65 percent in Europe, 45 percent in North America and 25 percent in South East Asia. With the restricted integration, Africa is losing on the economic front and potential to build socioeconomic resilience at community & economy wide scales.

Policy reform and policy implementation are central to regional integration in Africa. It is worth noting that in Africa, mostly it is not the absence of good policies but rather a lack of adequate implementation frameworks that has hamstrung development. Show less

Africa’s rapidly growing population presents a unique set of challenges as well as opportunities for the continent. If properly harnessed, the potential for economic development in the long term could be enormous.

The “Africa rising” cliché has generated a lot of views across the world. In the face of climate change, however, can Africa continue to grow?

The volatility in oil prices is a wake-up call for Africa on the vulnerabilities inherent in an overly concentrated reliance on oil and gas exports. The writing is very clearly on the wall, and the need to diversify economies and expand income sources beyond the unpredictable and volatile oil sector is an urgent imperative.

Under the changing climate no stone need to be left unturned. A liberalized African commercial airspace and developed airports represent an authentic, relatively affordable under exploited route for enhancing transport connectivity in the region, growing domestic and international trade, including trade in agriculture and affordable transportation in the continent, thus contributing toward inclusive socio-economic development for Africa

The “Africa rising” cliché has generated a lot of views across the world. As the saying goes, to every coin there are always two sides, and Africa’s economic growth and boom typify this idiomatic expression.

While Africa needs financing to build both bio-physical & socioeconomic resilience to climate change, it loses $50-60bn annually, and cumulatively, over the last 50 years, has lost amounts estimated to exceed $1 trillion. Curtailing these losses offers an opportunity for the region to mobilize financing.

“The Millennium Development Goals were in many ways palliative, they were not radical, transformative goals,” Macharia Kamau, the Co-Chair of the Open Working Group on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has said. With 240 million hungry and 25% youth unemployment in some areas, Africa will require Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are well developed, “radical,” and “transformative.”The fundamental challenge for the SDGs—Kamau highlights—is to discover how to raise living… Show more

“The Millennium Development Goals were in many ways palliative, they were not radical, transformative goals,” Macharia Kamau, the Co-Chair of the Open Working Group on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has said. With 240 million hungry and 25% youth unemployment in some areas, Africa will require Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are well developed, “radical,” and “transformative.”The fundamental challenge for the SDGs—Kamau highlights—is to discover how to raise living standards while keeping the worldwide pressures on
food systems, biodiversity, and natural resources within reasonable limits.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) embodied an ambitious attempt to set development priorities for the world. In 2000 they took the then current global human condition and put it in the spotlight. Now the SDGs will have to go further. Show less

he 2011 droughts in the horn of Africa deprived countless communities of water and food security. Two years later, devastating floods in Germany caused widespread urban destruction. These events showcase the early signs of dangerous climate change, which is already threatening the livelihoods, health, and wellbeing of millions, especially the poor and vulnerable who lack the financial, technical, human, and institutional resources to adapt to these changes.

In a first ever report, presented by the United Nations Environment Programme, the challenges of adapting to the changing climate in Africa are pinpointed. The report titled "Africa Adaptation Gap Report" confirmed that Africa is already committed to spending $7-15bn to adapt to climate change each year as a result of historical emissions.

The finding highlights an important question: What is being done in Africa to prepare for and respond to climate change? What should preparedness and… Show more

In a first ever report, presented by the United Nations Environment Programme, the challenges of adapting to the changing climate in Africa are pinpointed. The report titled "Africa Adaptation Gap Report" confirmed that Africa is already committed to spending $7-15bn to adapt to climate change each year as a result of historical emissions.

The finding highlights an important question: What is being done in Africa to prepare for and respond to climate change? What should preparedness and response involve?

Adaptation costs can only grow from the bottom rung of $7bn, moving up the ladder as the world gets hotter. If the world continues moving towards 3-4 Celsius, funding for adaptation will need to increase by 10 percent each year by 2020. In other words, by 2040 adaptation could cost $45-50bn each year - a price Africa can hardly afford, as showcased in the Africa Adaptation Gap Report. Show less

With the global population approaching 9.6 billion by 2050, huge demands will be placed on states and the environment to provide sufficient food.

Already, leaders are searching for solutions to a series of global challenges unprecedented in scale and complexity. Food insecurity, malnutrition, climate change, rural poverty and environmental degradation are at the top of the list.

Africa is particularly vulnerable to climate change threats because both supply-side and demand-side… Show more

With the global population approaching 9.6 billion by 2050, huge demands will be placed on states and the environment to provide sufficient food.

Already, leaders are searching for solutions to a series of global challenges unprecedented in scale and complexity. Food insecurity, malnutrition, climate change, rural poverty and environmental degradation are at the top of the list.

Africa is particularly vulnerable to climate change threats because both supply-side and demand-side challenges are putting additional pressure on an already fragile food production system. Current systems of production will only be able to meet 13 percent of the continent's food needs by 2050, while three out of every four people added to the planet between now and 2100 will be born in the region. In the coming half century, the land we grow our food on will change.

This will make feeding the world's growing population a complicated task. Higher temperatures could cause total farm yields to drop by 15-20 percent across all African regions. All at once, the 65 percent of the African work force who directly depend on agriculture as their life blood will become the most threatened by climate change and affected food patterns. These stark statistics present a resounding reminder of where the continent is headed, and if nothing is done millions of people in Africa will be pushed back into food insecure situations potentially fueling food riots as was the case in 2007-2008, when prices of maize and soybean peaked fuelling food riots in more than 30 countries. Show less

Climate change must be integrated into the post-2015 agenda, as ignoring it may condemn many Africans to a life of poverty

This paper analyzes the vicious spiral between climate change impacts, ecosystem degradation and increased risk of climate-related disasters; secondly, it defines the central role of ecosystem management in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and their multifaceted linkages; and thirdly, it assesses the challenges for enhanced ecosystem management for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Given the increasing importance of ecosystem services and management in… Show more

This paper analyzes the vicious spiral between climate change impacts, ecosystem degradation and increased risk of climate-related disasters; secondly, it defines the central role of ecosystem management in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and their multifaceted linkages; and thirdly, it assesses the challenges for enhanced ecosystem management for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Given the increasing importance of ecosystem services and management in adapting and responding to climate change impacts and associated disaster risks, the paper concludes that political commitment at the highest level is urgently needed if ecosystem management is to have the adequate weight it deserves in the post-2012 climate change agreement. It is further recommended that adequate financial, technological and knowledge resources be allocated for integrating ecosystem management in the climate change and disaster risk reduction portfolios, including within national policy-setting, capacity building, planning and practices, particularly in developing countries vulnerable to climate change impacts and increased risks of climate-related disasters. Show less

Observational records and model projections clearly shows that 75-250 million people in Africa are projected to face increased water stress by 2020 due to climate change; the average sea level is expected to rise by about 50 cm by 2100 and about 70 million people in Africa's coastal areas could face the risk of flooding by 2080. It is estimated that by 2100, parts of the Sahara are likely to become the most vulnerable, showing likely agricultural losses of between 2 and 7% of GDP and by 2050… Show more

Observational records and model projections clearly shows that 75-250 million people in Africa are projected to face increased water stress by 2020 due to climate change; the average sea level is expected to rise by about 50 cm by 2100 and about 70 million people in Africa's coastal areas could face the risk of flooding by 2080. It is estimated that by 2100, parts of the Sahara are likely to become the most vulnerable, showing likely agricultural losses of between 2 and 7% of GDP and by 2050 average rice, wheat, and maize yields will decline by up to 14%, 22%, and 5%, respectively.

This poses a serious challenge to social and economic development particularly because the economies of most African countries depend on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, water fisheries, energy, tourism etc. Any post-2015 agenda to reduce poverty in Africa sustainably needs to be 'climate proofed' with the flexibility and resources to ensure that communities can adapt to climate change and are protected against its impact. A post 2015 development framework needs to fully integrate climate change and the vital role of the environment in poverty reduction, as well as the causes of poverty and vulnerability. If, however, post-2015 discussions ignore climate change, they may condemn many Africans to a life of poverty; the result not only of climate change itself, but also of climate change responses that neglect the complexities of poverty reduction in the Africa continent. Show less

Climate change is an issue that affects lives of millions of people across the world. Therefore, this study urges that the integration of climate risk considerations into policy should be increased, in order to ensure that development proceeds along pathways that are resilient to climate change. The paper shows that in particular ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) approaches have proved to provide flexible, cost-effective and broadly applicable alternatives for reducing the impacts of climate… Show more

Climate change is an issue that affects lives of millions of people across the world. Therefore, this study urges that the integration of climate risk considerations into policy should be increased, in order to ensure that development proceeds along pathways that are resilient to climate change. The paper shows that in particular ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) approaches have proved to provide flexible, cost-effective and broadly applicable alternatives for reducing the impacts of climate change and as such are a critical tool for adaptation planners to help them tackle climate change threats. This paper reviews the rapidly evolving concept of ecosystems-based approaches to climate change adaptation and its role in addressing multiple scale risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities. Fundamentally, EbA is the use of natural capital by people to adapt to climate change impacts, which can also have multiple co-benefits for mitigation, protection of livelihoods and poverty alleviation. Show less

A UN climate change conference in Doha, Qatar, concluded in December 2012 with a new agreement called the “Doha Climate Gateway.” Its major achievements included the extension until 2020 of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as a work plan for negotiating a new global climate pact by 2015, to be implemented starting in 2020.

Despite these commitments, the Doha conference made only limited progress in advancing international talks on climate change, and… Show more

A UN climate change conference in Doha, Qatar, concluded in December 2012 with a new agreement called the “Doha Climate Gateway.” Its major achievements included the extension until 2020 of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as a work plan for negotiating a new global climate pact by 2015, to be implemented starting in 2020.

Despite these commitments, the Doha conference made only limited progress in advancing international talks on climate change, and failed to set more ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

That failure increases the risk of a rise in average global temperatures by 2 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. The Emissions Gap Report 2012 by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) stresses that if the world does not accelerate action on climate change, total yearly greenhouse gas emissions could rise to 58 gigatonnes by 2020 (compared to 40 gigatonnes in 2000), far above the level scientists say would likely keep temperature increases below 2°C.

Studies by the World Bank indicate that even with the current commitments and pledges fully implemented, there is roughly a 20% likelihood that temperature increases will top 4°C by the end of this century, triggering a cascade of cataclysmic changes, including extreme heat waves, declining global food stocks and a rising sea level, that will affect hundreds of millions of people.

All regions of the world will suffer if this happens, but the poor will suffer the most, and sustainable development in Africa will be set back considerably. Severe droughts in the Horn of Africa in 2011 and in the Sahel region in 2012 alarmingly highlighted Africa’s vulnerability. Show less

This paper argues that ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) provides a flexible, cost-effective and broadly applicable alternative for building robust food systems and reducing the impacts of climate change. Focusing on Africa, the paper highlights actions to better manage ecosystems for food security, including: improve soil management to reduce degradation and erosion; improve agro-biodiversity; develop programs based on the progress of agricultural science and traditional knowledge; and improve… Show more

This paper argues that ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) provides a flexible, cost-effective and broadly applicable alternative for building robust food systems and reducing the impacts of climate change. Focusing on Africa, the paper highlights actions to better manage ecosystems for food security, including: improve soil management to reduce degradation and erosion; improve agro-biodiversity; develop programs based on the progress of agricultural science and traditional knowledge; and improve capacities of farmers to manage investments and to access new technologies. The paper concludes that sustainable food security strategies must develop new opportunities, increase productivity in agriculture and assist in the development of domestic markets that can withstand international economic volatility. Investment in EbA is one of the most important keys to job creation opportunities that simultaneously contribute to poverty eradication and to sustainable long-term food security. Show less

On June 20–22 global leaders gathered in Rio de Janeiro for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) to discuss the future of our planet, society, and environment. While officially deemed a success, the outcome of the meetings has been met with mixed reactions: Detractors found that the meetings made little important political progress, that they merely reaffirmed existing agreements and committed countries to little. There was disappointment voiced at the lack of… Show more

On June 20–22 global leaders gathered in Rio de Janeiro for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) to discuss the future of our planet, society, and environment. While officially deemed a success, the outcome of the meetings has been met with mixed reactions: Detractors found that the meetings made little important political progress, that they merely reaffirmed existing agreements and committed countries to little. There was disappointment voiced at the lack of attendance by many important heads of state. Some even pointed out the irony of the meetings taking place during an inferno-like summer with global, record-breaking highs in temperature—and no new agreements on climate change. Indeed, the final document, entitled The Future We Want (TFWW), while carefully acknowledging the multitude of issues involved in global environmental negotiations, painstakingly avoids taking almost any new position on the key polemic issues where deep changes are needed to steer our global environment away from disaster. For instance, it makes no new commitments in the energy sector, merely encouraging “sustainable” use of traditional fuels, and the inclusion of renewable sources in “appropriate” energy mixes. Language around climate change is also very noncommittal, “underscoring” the urgency of an “effective and appropriate international response,” and reaffirming the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Show less

In North America, landfall of Hurricane Sandy in New York, and the ensuing 40 billion dollars of damage caused, may have sparked a new political realisation that a changing climate is no longer an abstract issue. For smallholder farmers in Africa, with limited resources and capacity to respond to climate change impacts, this reality has been in the forefront for years

The outcome document from the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) emphasizes that adaptation to climate change is an immediate and urgent global priority. The impact of climate change poses eminent danger to human well-being and development pathways in Africa where the resources and capacity to respond are limited. This is going to get worse as warming in Africa is projected to be greater than the global annual mean, with an average increase of 3-4ºC over the next… Show more

The outcome document from the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) emphasizes that adaptation to climate change is an immediate and urgent global priority. The impact of climate change poses eminent danger to human well-being and development pathways in Africa where the resources and capacity to respond are limited. This is going to get worse as warming in Africa is projected to be greater than the global annual mean, with an average increase of 3-4ºC over the next century.

This poses a serious challenge to social and economic development, particularly because the economies of most African countries depend on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, water, fisheries, energy and tourism. Furthermore, African countries lack the capacity and resources to address the multiple facets of the climate change challenge.

Bringing everyone on board a common framework to address certain climate change risks that threaten regional and national development is urgently needed. It will be imperative to speed up the integration of climate risk considerations into development policy, in order to ensure that development proceeds along pathways that are resilient to climate change. However, views diverge as to the type of action required, where such action should occur and by whom. The achievement of sustainable and long-term development will not only require leapfrogging polluting technologies, but also adopting targeted, flexible and timely actions that catalyze the delivery of climate change interventions. Show less

Sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems requires a finely tuned balance between demand and supply. Population increase and changing lifestyle expectations, coupled with ecosystem degradation, are likely to exacerbate what is already an imbalance [1]. If “demand” were replaced by “requirement” (based on equity of resource use), and if biodiversity, ecosystem productivity, regenerative capacity and resilience (“safe limit supply”) were embedded in the “supply” concept, these would be… Show more

Sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems requires a finely tuned balance between demand and supply. Population increase and changing lifestyle expectations, coupled with ecosystem degradation, are likely to exacerbate what is already an imbalance [1]. If “demand” were replaced by “requirement” (based on equity of resource use), and if biodiversity, ecosystem productivity, regenerative capacity and resilience (“safe limit supply”) were embedded in the “supply” concept, these would be better guidelines by for society. The probability of achieving a balance will be greatly improved by protecting and appropriately managing biodiversity and ecosystem services, coupled with a fundamental shift in societal expectations and behavior that drive "demand.”
A sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems requires a shift in human expectations and aspirations, behavior and immediate resource use. At the same time, the aspirations of the poor need to be respected and supported, especially in cases where impoverished people cause biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation in their struggle for survival using scarce resources. Show less

he world's ecosystems are currently being degraded at an alarming rate and this is occurring at a time when we are facing trends of increasing global temperature, hunger, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss, compounded by a global population of 7 billion, which is to hit 9 billion in the next 40 years. Biodiversity is being lost and we face the uncertainty of how climate change will affect us. The Green Economy, Climate Change, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Poverty are inextricably connected… Show more

he world's ecosystems are currently being degraded at an alarming rate and this is occurring at a time when we are facing trends of increasing global temperature, hunger, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss, compounded by a global population of 7 billion, which is to hit 9 billion in the next 40 years. Biodiversity is being lost and we face the uncertainty of how climate change will affect us. The Green Economy, Climate Change, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Poverty are inextricably connected. Changes to natural ecosystems influence both the climate and people's ability to cope with some of its detrimental/adverse impacts. In return, climate change and people's responses to it affect ecosystems and biodiversity. Teasing apart these strands clearly shows that conserving and managing biodiversity can help natural systems and vulnerable people cope with a shifting global climate. This is a problem that affects all of humanity as ecosystems underpin all economic activity and are the foundation for human wellbeing. Without secure, healthy and fully functional ecosystems, all sections of society, rich and poor, will face substantial detriment in the future, through loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services and collapse of economies. Show less

After several years of international negotiations, 21 April 2012 saw the establishment of the Intergovernmental science-policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). The creation of IPBES is a great victory for biodiversity. It opens a window of opportunity to strengthen decision making related to biodiversity across a broad range of areas, providing greater scientific input into decisions that affect biodiversity across the globe.

The lack, to date, of mainstreaming… Show more

After several years of international negotiations, 21 April 2012 saw the establishment of the Intergovernmental science-policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). The creation of IPBES is a great victory for biodiversity. It opens a window of opportunity to strengthen decision making related to biodiversity across a broad range of areas, providing greater scientific input into decisions that affect biodiversity across the globe.

The lack, to date, of mainstreaming biodiversity into important sectoral policies on agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and energy is thought to be one of the main reasons for the continued loss of biodiversity. While scientific understanding of the complex biophysical interrelations and the causes of biodiversity loss has increased, research at the interface between science and policy, and individual behaviour and environmental degradation has advanced the least. IPBES will aim to tackle the accelerating worldwide loss of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystem services by bridging the gap between the scientific community and policy makers. This will lead to an improved understanding of the importance of biodiversity loss and its implications for human wellbeing. Show less

The changing climate is no longer an abstract issue, and the realities of its impacts are being felt in the African continent. Climate change is affecting millions of people, and thwarting their efforts to escape poverty. Against this harsh reality, it will be imperative to speed up the integration of climate risk considerations into policy, in order to ensure that development proceeds along pathways that are resilient to climate change.

However, the questions as to the type of action… Show more

The changing climate is no longer an abstract issue, and the realities of its impacts are being felt in the African continent. Climate change is affecting millions of people, and thwarting their efforts to escape poverty. Against this harsh reality, it will be imperative to speed up the integration of climate risk considerations into policy, in order to ensure that development proceeds along pathways that are resilient to climate change.

However, the questions as to the type of action required and where such action should occur and by whom still generate divergent views on the international policy arena. Sub-Saharan Africa lacks the capacity and resources to face these challenges. Because the impacts are already being felt, climate change makes national development planning more complex, overturns previous development achievements, and constricts human survival opportunities. Approaches that go beyond words into actions with potential to informing and guiding policy practices are imperative and urgently needed. Show less

Despite the contribution that large-scale, intensive agriculture has made to global food
production, food shortages still occur with particularly severe consequences for the poor.
More investment in locally-led, small-scale farming would help ensure longer-term food
security for the world’s most vulnerable under a changing climate and bring environmental
benefits, according to a recent analysis of adaptation work in Uganda.