Africa Is Not a Testing Ground: Civil Society Condemns Climate Colonialism | EnviroNews

African civil society groups are deeply concerned about the upcoming Degrees Global Forum in South Africa. They see it as an attempt at climate colonialism, suggesting that it will undermine African sovereignty, harm ecosystems, and threaten the future of local communities.

The forum aims to promote Solar Radiation Management (SRM), a controversial geoengineering technique that some experts warn could have catastrophic and unpredictable effects on the Earth’s atmosphere. According to critics, SRM isn’t just a scientific endeavor; it reflects a power imbalance that could turn Africa into a testing ground for risky new technologies.

The Hands Off Mother Earth! (HOME) Alliance expressed that these plans could harm environmental integrity and community rights. They argue that wealthy nations are trying to avoid their responsibilities for climate change while continuing to exploit Africa’s resources.

In 2023, during the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), African ministers clearly opposed SRM, expressing concerns about geoengineering technologies and calling for global rules to prevent their use. This position aligns with growing worries among scientists and activist groups globally.

Dr. Mfoniso Xael, from the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, criticized the Degrees Initiative for hosting the forum in South Africa, highlighting that it goes against AMCEN’s stance and undermines the efforts to protect African interests.

Kwami Kpondzo from the Centre pour la Justice Environnementale in Togo echoed this sentiment. He stated that Africa isn’t a laboratory for experimentation and called for an end to misguided technological fixes for climate issues.

Senior Advisor Dean Bhekumuzi Bhebhe from Power Shift Africa remarked: “They treat our planet like a machine needing adjustments, but Africa is not a testing ground." His comments reflect a broader frustration with what many view as a distraction from real solutions to the climate crisis.

Community leaders like Amos Nkpeebo from FIDEP Foundation focused on immediate needs. They emphasized that those facing climate challenges are not seeking high-tech fixes but sustainable solutions like clean water and renewable energy.

Josué Aruna from the Congo Basin Conservation Society stressed the importance of African cultural values in development, warning against dangerous technologies that distract from accountability for climate change.

As the debate over geoengineering unfolds, one thing is clear: many leaders and communities across Africa are calling for strategies rooted in justice and sustainability, rather than experimental solutions that prioritize profit over people.

This conversation is crucial, especially as global climate challenges intensify. The outcomes of discussions like the Degrees Global Forum can have lasting impacts on how communities respond to climate change. Promoting transparency and proving community consent is vital for any future initiatives.

For more on the concerns surrounding solar geoengineering, you can read the African ministers’ statement regarding the position on SRM.

In a rapidly changing climate landscape, it’s essential that solutions honor both the voices of those most affected and the ecosystems they depend upon.

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Africa,civil society organisations (CSOs),Climate colonialism