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Thanks Dami for the comment. Developed countries did emit the bulk of CO2 we have in the atmosphere but they have started making efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Although, it is often argued that their present efforts are not sufficient.
On the other hand, CO2 emissions from developing countries in Asia such as China and India have increased with the growing population and economy. As a matter of fact, China is the largest GHG emitter and India is third. Nevertheless, emissions from China is expected to peak around 2030 with ageing population and a slow down of the country’s economy. On the contrary, developments in Africa might pick up around this time or even earlier.
Despite the fact that emission statistics from Africa are underestimated, there are indications that the continent will increase its emission in the coming years, as the poorer population move to middle and upper class and the continent intensifies its development/industrialization. This means more people will be able to afford energy intensive gadgets in the continents such as cars, home (electrical) appliances and get connected to the national grid. Moreover, the discovery of larger oil and gas reserves in the continent might increase Africa’s appetite for these energy sources.
Dami please note: This scenario might not play out if the continent (Africa) adopts quickly the available mitigating measures from developed countries.
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Very well said Mr. Bamishe. The much needed energy efficiency strategies needs to be promoted much more.
Even at the lowest hierarchy it all counts.
For an instance – using energy saving features on our mobile phones, and gadgets in addition to
adopting low energy consumption products in our domestic lives could contribute to lowering global energy consumption index.
Sensitization is however needed so people can realise the effect.
I’ll say Africa is in the best position to undertake GHG measures and other solution strategies. It can simply leap from its current form of development to greener forms of development without having to replace much of current infrastructure that dangerously add to amounts of GHG in the atmosphere.
She should also look into not following the common trend of developed nations in gaining development at the expense of natural carbon sinks (of which Africa’s forest reserves is an example) and biodiversity.