Africa initiative - climate action and net zero
Showcasing our work on the research theme of climate action and net zero as part of the Africa Initiative.
Africa’s development pathway is critically important for the future of our planet. The continent will play a vital role in the global effort to reach net zero by 2050. While African per capita emissions are, on average, still less than half of those of developed countries’, the continent nonetheless accounts for roughly 10 percent of global annual greenhouse gas emissions, when land-use emissions and all greenhouse gases are taken into account (McKinsey 2021). With rapid population and economic growth expected, Africa’s share of emissions is likely to increase if no action is taken.
Climate models show that the continent is likely to be among the regions hardest hit by the changing climate. As a result of its high exposure and vulnerability to climate hazards, a third of the people considered most at risk in the world live in Africa.
However, if the continent can use its large renewable energy generation capacity and rich natural capital endowments responsibly and strategically, it could catalyse economic growth and make a substantial contribution to the global net-zero transition.
The Africa Initiative will bring together research strengths in renewable energy, water security, sustainable natural resource management and biodiversity conservation, and design for climate resilient economies and communities to help realise this potential.