The recently released IPCC synthetic report has a scary projection on possibility of exceeding the 1.5C global warming limit, which means more disasters, especially in the global South.
The report recommends taming appetite for fossil fuel profits and significantly increasing action. But how do we deal with fossil fuel cartels when some African leaders are just realising they have been sitting on black gold?
They argue, rightly so, that Africa contributes below 4 per cent to global warming, and that starting new fossil fuel projects will not significantly change the figures.
If anything, this is how the West developed. This is the confusion over achievement of the 1.5C target. And with the IPCC projections, should we fight on or just give up?
The fossil fuel cartels, who are the biggest hurdles in achieving 1.5C, control economies.
At least 600 delegates represented the fossil fuel industry at the November 2022 climate talks (COP27) in Egypt, some with access to crucial negotiation rooms.
Civil society condemned the "infiltration", but that was just it. The same had happened during COP26.
Controversy also marred appointment of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company CEO Sultan Al Jaber as COP28 President.
One of the most convincing justifications for the choice of the man with one leg in fossil fuels industry and the other in renewable energy sounded like setting a 'thief' to catch a thief. People have since moved on.
Yet, effects of global warming on the poor remains massive. In February and March, a 40-day tropical Cyclone Freddy killed over 400 people in Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar. Imagine this magnitude of loss of lives in developed nations, whose fossil fuel backed development is causing all this.
Returning to below 1.5C, should there be an overshoot, will be the world's sure bet. It requires more than double aggressiveness, with eyes on opportunities, including for big oil firms, and enablers such as banks and insurance firms.
They may not be the best examples, but SMEs' small-scale distribution of solar power in rural areas is employing many and reducing respiratory and other health problems associated with kerosene lamps.
Where children slept early, they now read for longer hours and enjoy more family time. The solar firms also sell TVs with flexible payment plans, increasing access to information, alternative entertainment to sex, hence controlling populations.
Such a population is easier to reach with information on imminent disasters, disease prevention and services. The SMEs are helping in many ways, a lot more not mention, including just transition to renewable energy and reduction of energy poverty. Now imagine everyone doing something positive! There is hope.
The G7 ministers meeting on climate, energy and environment on April 15 to 16 in Japan should use their power to change things for the better.
If the G7 countries alone stop new fossil fuel projects, the results will be huge. Besides, their focus on Africa for oil and gas must stop.
The schools, scholarships, roads, development and jobs they dangle cannot prevent disasters, loss of land, biodiversity and sources of livelihood.
For African leaders, remember the say when the devil ignores you, you are doing something wrong. When the West ignores you, you have nothing. The opposite is also true. Stop being cheap and ask for investment in renewable energy projects. If the West loves you, they will go the extra mile.
We must all go the extra mile to return to the 1.5C target cognizant of the fact that no amount of green-washing or climate denial will prevent consequences of investment in fossil fuels.
-@lynno16 | lynet@greenfaith.org
