Africa represents 18% of the world’s population but contributes less than 3% of global CO2 emissions. Often viewed as a victim of climate change, the continent is uniquely positioned to lead the fight against this global crisis thanks to its vast natural resources. I had the privilege of speaking with Emily Barran, the Green Industrialisation Lead at the Climate Action Platform for Africa (CAP-A). Joining us from Nairobi, Kenya, Emily shared her impressive journey and the transformative work she is doing to help unlock Africa's green economic potential.
An Interdisciplinary Journey to an Impactful Career
Emily's journey into the world of environmental impact is anything but conventional. With an academic background in classics and philosophy, she initially set out to become a lawyer. However, her true passion lay in tackling complex problems that require multifaceted solutions—a perfect fit for the challenges posed by climate change.
"Finding the aspects that light your brain up is probably one good starting point," Emily shared about pursuing a career in impact.
Her diverse experiences—from supporting children's education initiatives in West London to helping entrepreneurs scale businesses in Brazil—have equipped her with a unique perspective on addressing environmental issues.
CAP-A's Vision for Africa
The Climate Action Platform for Africa is not just about mitigating the effects of climate change; it's about unlocking Africa's immense potential to lead in this global fight. The continent holds abundant resources that could make it a powerhouse in sustainable development.
Emily emphasizes that Africa has the opportunity to achieve "climate-positive growth," a concept where economic development goes hand-in-hand with reducing carbon emissions.
CAP-A aims to:
Preserve and Enhance Carbon Sinks: Protecting forests and natural habitats that absorb CO₂.
Grow Through Green Industries: Developing industries powered by renewable energy sources.
Invest in Carbon Removal at Scale: Implementing technologies and practices that actively remove carbon from the atmosphere.
Attracting Investment and Building Industries
One of the critical challenges CAP-A addresses is the underinvestment in Africa's renewable energy projects. Despite its vast potential, the continent has received only 2% of global financing for such initiatives in the past decade. However, things are beginning to change. Major companies like Microsoft have committed to significant investments in Kenya, including developing green data centers powered by geothermal energy.
Emily explains that CAP-A works to create conditions conducive to such investments by improving the "enabling environment." This involves:
Policy Advocacy: Working on global financial architecture reform to reduce the cost of capital.
Collaboration with Governments: Assisting in crafting policies that attract and retain sustainable investments.
Highlighting Opportunities: Showcasing sectors where renewable projects can thrive, such as alternative aviation fuels and data centers.
Keeping Value Chains Local
Africa often exports raw materials only to import finished goods, missing out on significant economic benefits and adding unnecessary carbon emissions due to transportation. CAP-A is exploring ways to localize more parts of the supply chain.
By focusing on value addition and investing in skills and training, African countries can retain more economic value and create jobs. Emily points out that while challenges like infrastructure and capacity exist, strategic investments and policies can help overcome them.
Environmental Justice and Ethical Mining
One of the pressing concerns is ensuring that Africa’s green industrialisation is equitable and sustainable. Emily acknowledges the complexities of ethical mining and the need for responsible practices, both in Africa and globally. The demand for critical minerals—particularly for electric vehicles—raises questions about whether the planet can sustain the environmental cost of mining.
While mining companies have historically struggled with community relations and fulfilling commitments, Emily is optimistic that increased scrutiny and demand for responsible mining will lead to better practices in the future.
The Role of Carbon Markets
Carbon markets present an opportunity to fund sustainable initiatives in Africa. However, the continent currently accounts for a minuscule portion of global carbon credits. CAP-A is working on:
Policy Reforms: Helping countries develop authorized credits that can fetch higher prices.
High-Integrity Projects: Ensuring that carbon credits represent genuine, verifiable benefits, including co-benefits like community development.
How Young People Can Make a Difference
Emily encourages young people to find their niche in the fight against climate change. Whether through activism, working within industries to drive change from the inside, or pursuing careers in sustainable development, there's room for everyone to contribute.
"Find something you enjoy and focus on that because the problem is enormous and it's not going anywhere," she advises.
Unlocking Africa's Green Economy
Our conversation with Emily Barran highlights the immense potential and challenges of driving sustainable growth in Africa. It's clear that with the right investments, policies, and collaborative efforts, Africa can play a pivotal role in combating climate change while fostering economic development.
For more insights into Emily's work and the mission of the Climate Action Platform for Africa to unlock Africa's Green Economy, visit their website at CAP-A.org.
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