As the 20th African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN20) wrapped up, climate justice advocates are celebrating a significant victory. African governments stood firm against the controversial solar geoengineering technologies, sending a clear message: these solutions aren’t the way forward.
During AMCEN20, ministers collectively rejected solar geoengineering, highlighting its potential dangers and ethical dilemmas. They emphasized that these technologies, like Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI), pose serious environmental risks and should not be included in global climate strategies.
The declaration at AMCEN20 calls for a non-use agreement on solar geoengineering, aiming to prevent its normalization. This move builds on previous calls for a global governance framework to manage climate solutions responsibly.
Barbara Ntambirweki from the ETC Group stated, “This is a major victory for Africa! We celebrate AMCEN’s bold rejection of risky technologies.” Many believe that sustainable solutions lie in community-led efforts, agroecology, and renewable energy, rather than untested technological fixes.
Support for this stance is widespread among various leaders. Kenneth Nana Amoateng of the AbibiNsroma Foundation expressed concern about the risks associated with solar radiation modification, urging for a strong governance mechanism to manage climate interventions.
Youth across Africa are also rallying behind this decision. Amos Nkpeebo from the FIDEP Foundation stressed the need for investment in proven, sustainable solutions instead of harmful technologies.
Dr. Mfoniso Xael from the Health of Mother Earth Foundation reinforced the idea that Africa should not be used as a testing ground for speculative climate solutions. He pointed out that real climate action focuses on reducing emissions, rather than manipulating natural systems.
Josué Arun from the Congo Basin Conservation Society highlighted the need for support in community-based climate solutions, particularly through financial backing focused on forest restoration.
Others echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that climate solutions must prioritize human rights and local community involvement. Gideon Akoto from Friends of the Earth Ghana pointed out the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels while supporting communities.
As AMCEN20 draws attention to significant choices in climate action, it serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of ethical and sustainable solutions. African nations are demonstrating the kind of leadership necessary to address the climate crisis effectively and responsibly, calling for real action rather than risky experiments.
In summary, the outcomes of AMCEN20 showcase a united front against solar geoengineering and advocate for authentic solutions that respect both the environment and human rights.
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African leadership,African Ministerial Conference on Environment (AMCEN),Solar geoengineering