Addressing Climate Change in Africa: The Need for Increased Collaboration and an Enhanced Role of Education, Science and Technology
Presentation by Mr. Richard Muyungi, at the UNESCO Africa Week, Paris.(23 May 2012)
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Unesco addressing climate change in Africa
1. United Republic of Tanzania
Addressing Climate Change in Africa
The Need for Increased Collaboration and an
Enhanced Role of Education, Science and Technology
Paper Presented at the UNESCO Africa Week, Paris.
23 May, 2012
Mr. Richard Muyungi,
Vice President’s Office
UNFCCC SBSTA Chair
23 May 2012
2. Outline
Introduction
Climate change science
Education on climate change
Technology
Increased collaboration
Conclusions
23 May 2012 Mr. Richard Muyungi
3. Introduction: Africa; A promising
continent
Africa has the source of many drivers of economic growth:
Abundant natural resources, a large land mass, and a
growing youthful population which means an
increase in labor force and consumption market.
Thus, World Bank forecast: growth rate of GDP of sub-
Saharan Africa to be 5.3 percent for 2012 and 5.6 percent
for 2013, higher than the 4.9 percent for 2011. The IMF
put its estimated growth rate for the region at 5.5 percent
for 2012.
IMF Report: In the last decade, six out of 10 fastest
growing economies were from Africa; the number is
expected to rise to 7 in the three years to 2015
23 May 2012 d Muyungi
4. However, a continent faced with
Real Climate Change Challenges
Particularly Extreme
weather events and
sea level rise.
Call for increased
collaboration amongst
nations and states and
enhanced role of
education, science and
technology
development and
sharing to be able to
adapt but also to take
up opportunity arising
from global mitigation
under UNFCCC
23 May 2012 Mr. Richard Muyungi
5. Introduction
African countries
are among the
most vulnerable to
adverse effects of
climate change
Least to tap on
opportunities
arising from
Climate Change
mitigation
23 May 2012 Mr. Richard Muyungi
7. Climate Change Science: Emission are
seriously impacting the continent
1. Water
2. Agriculture
3. Ecosystems
4. Health
Source: IPCC
23 May 2012 Mr. Richard Muyungi
8. On Water
Climate change will
aggravate water
stress across the
African continent
About 25% of
Africa’s population
(about 200 million
people) currently
experience high
water stress.
23 May 2012 Mr. Richard Muyungi
9. On Agriculture
Agricultural production and
food security are likely to
be severely compromised
by climate change and
climate variability
Projected reductions in yield
in some countries could be
as much as 50% by 2020,
and crop net revenues could
fall by as much as 90% by
2100.
23 May 2012 Mr. Richard Muyungi
10. On Culture and Ecosystems
Changes in a variety of
ecosystems are already being
detected, particularly in southern
African ecosystems, at a faster
rate than anticipated
It is estimated that, by the 2080s,
the proportion of arid and semi-
arid lands in Africa is likely to
increase by 5-8% and between
25 and 40% of mammal species in
national parks in sub-Saharan
Africa will become endangered.
23 May 2012 Mr. Richard Muyungi
11. On Health and Education
Human health,
already compromised
by a range of factors,
could be further
negatively impacted
by climate change and
climate variability,
e.g., malaria in
southern Africa and
the East African
highlands. Highly
impacting education
23 May 2012 Mr. Richard Muyungi
13. At least there has been an average increase of about
0.2 degrees Celsius over the last 30years
Average temp. 1995 - 2004
13
14. Some Efforts: Education on
Climate Change
Climate change issues
are increasingly
included in primary,
secondary and higher
education across
Africa
Informal education by
non-governmental
and community-based
organizations plays an
important role
23 May 2012 Mr. Richard Muyungi
15. Education on Climate Change
Importance of teaching science,
social aspects, culture, ethics and
skills that prepare to adapt to
climate change
Promote behavioural change in
support of a sustainable economic
development, including embarking
on a low-carbon development path
23 May 2012 Mr. Richard Muyungi
16. Example: Climate Change Education in
Tanzania
Efforts to formalize and incorporate
climate change in the national
curricula at all educational levels,
consistent with EMA, 2005
Trainings and educational tools for
teachers
Informal education through non-
governmental and community-
based organizations
23 May 2012 Mr. Richard Muyungi
17. Technology needs in Africa
Renewable energy
technologies
Forestry
Waste and water
management
Agriculture,
improved
productivity
23 May 2012 Mr. Richard Muyungi
18. 23 May 2012
Per cent of Parties
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Forestry 100
Water and land management
Agriculture & forestry - 100%
Crop management
RET
Fossil energy supply
Source: UNFCCC
CHP (cogeneration)
countries
Miscellaneous
Generation - 93.1%
Nuclear power plant
Energy-efficient appliances
Miscellaneous
DSM
Energy - 93.1% of Parties
Green buildings - materials & design
District heating
Miscellaneous Transmission - 69%
Waste management Waste management - 82.2%
Fuel switching
Mr. Richard Muyungi
Industrial energy-efficiency
Cement production
Other
High-efficiency motors
Mining
Furnaces
Industry - 82.8%
Boilers
Steel industry
Miscellaneous industries
Aluminium industry
Bread-making industry
Facilities
Management & policy improvements
Vehicles
Public transport
Transport - 79.3%
Technology needs identified by African
Freight
19. Examples of the education, training and awareness-
raising collaborative actions reported by Nairobi work
programme partner organizations in Africa
A. Enhancing the A.2 P r o m o t in g t h e U n l o c k in g Af r ic a ’s c l im a t e Sah ara an d Sah el
assessment and u n d e r s t a n d in g a n d a w a r e n e s s s c ie n c e : U n d e r s t a n d in g O b s e r v a t o r y (O b s e r v a t o ir e d u
understanding o f im p a c t s a n d v u l n e r a b il it y t o t h e f in d in g s o f t h e F o u r t h Sah ara
of impacts and c l im a t e c h a n g e As s e s s m e n t R e p o r t o f t h e e t d u S a h e l )(O S S )
vulnerability to In t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l P a n e l o n
climate change C l im a t e C h a n g e (IP C C AR 4 )
B. Improving the B .1 P r o m o t in g t h e Af r ic a n r e g io n a l ‘t r a in in g o f W e t l a n d s In t e r n a t io n a l
ability to make d e v e l o p m e n t , d is s e m in a t io n t r a in e r s ’ c o u r s e o n
informed decisions a n d a p p l ic a t io n o f m e t h o d s ecosystema nd
on adaptation an d to o ls c o m m u n it y -b a s e d a d a p t a t io n
planning, measures
and actions
B .2 F a c il it a t in g c o m m u n ic a t io n , R a is in g a w a r e n e s s in Af r ic a In t e r n a t io n a l U n io n o f F o r e s t
d ia l o g u e a n d t h r o u g h a r e g io n a l p o l ic y b r ie f R e s e a r c h O r g a n iz a t io n s
c o o p e r a t io n a m o n g d if f e r e n t e n t it l e d M a k in g Af r ic a n (IU F R O )
s tak eh o ld ers F o r e s t s F it f o r C l im a t e C h a n g e
B .3 E n h a n c in g a d a p t iv e Af r ic a n C l im a t e C h a n g e S T AR T
c a p a c it y t h r o u g h F e l l o w s h ip P r o g r a m . Cur ent 4 fell s fr 18A ica
r ly, 5 ow om fr n
t e c h n ic a l a n d in s t it u t io n a l
count ies ae w kingon v r pr ects suppored
r r or aious oj t
c a p a c it y -b u il d in g
byt fel ship pr a
he low ogr mme
23 May 2012 Mr. Richard Muyungi
20. Conclusion: Increased collaboration in
Science and Technology
Through Climate Technology Centers
and Networks provides unique
opportunity for Africa
Cooperation with climate service
providers and systematic observation
systems for better early warning.
23 May 2012 Mr. Richard Muyungi
21. Conclusions: Enhanced Education
and technology development and
transfer
Ensure inclusion of climate change issues in curricula at
all educational levels and support informal education
activities by non-governmental and community-based
organizations
Cooperation in Technological areas with adaptation and
mitigation benefits e.g clean coal production and use;
renewable, improving productivity, efficiency and
sustainability.
Promoting transfer of technology to enable adaptation
and Nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs)
with co benefits
Collaborate with regional bodies, civil society and the
private sector
Education ant technology be linked to early warning and
systematic observation.
23 May 2012 Mr. Richard Muyungi
22. More important: Enhance existing
collaboration on the role of Education,
Science and Technology in Africa amidst the
changing climate
UNESCO UNESCO developed a
grassroots observatory of
climate change impacts
using indigenous
Knowledge.
The assessment process
for many NAPAs in Africa
was based on local
knowledge and traditional
coping strategies as well
as scientific assessment
and research to identify
UNFCCC AFRICA priority adaptation
projects.
23 May 2012
Mr. Richard Muyungi
This will remain important
in the preparation of NAPs
23. Thank you for your attention!
Mr. Richard Muyungi
23 May 2012
Editor's Notes
Presentation title
Presentation title I would like to begin my presentation with a brief overview on the adverse effects of climate change on the African continent before highlighting how adverse effects of climate change need to be addressed through education, technology and increased collaboration. At the end of my presentation I will draw conclusions and suggest specific actions to address climate change mitigation and adaptation in Africa
Presentation title Climate change is already a reality on the African continent. There are prolonged and intensified droughts in eastern Africa; unprecedented floods in western Africa; depletion of rain forests in equatorial Africa; and an increase in ocean acidity around Africa’s southern coast. These effects endanger the lives and livelihoods of millions of Africans and also hinder the continent’s economic growth and social progress. Agricultural production, food, water and energy security is threatened by altered weather patterns and climate extremes. As the poorest continent, Africa is susceptible to climate change due to its difficulties in coping with consequences of climate extremes. In this context I would like to draw your attention to the importance of climate change science, education and technology in Africa and the need for increased collaboration to cope with adverse effects of climate change.
Presentation title The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts more floods, intense storms, heat waves and droughts if emissions continue to rise. Climate change will have disastrous consequences on the ecosystem services that are essential for our very survival. Africa is one of the most vulnerable continents to climate change and climate variability, a situation aggravated by the interaction of ‘multiple stresses’, occurring at various levels, and low adaptive capacity
Presentation title Climate change and variability are likely to impose additional pressures on water availability, water accessibility and water demand in Africa. Even without climate change, several countries in Africa, particularly in northern Africa, will exceed the limits of their economically usable land-based water resources before 2025. About 25% of Africa’s population (about 200 million people) currently experience high water stress.
Presentation title A number of countries in Africa already face semi-arid conditions that make agriculture challenging, and climate change will be likely to reduce the length of growing season as well as force large regions of marginal agriculture out of production. Projected reductions in yield in some countries could be as much as 50% by 2020, and crop net revenues could fall by as much as 90% by 2100, with small-scale farmers being the most affected. This would adversely affect food security in the continent.
Presentation title Climate change, interacting with human drivers such as deforestation and forest fires, are a threat to Africa’s forest ecosystems. Changes in grasslands and marine ecosystems are also noticeable. It is estimated that, by the 2080s, the proportion of arid and semi-arid lands in Africa is likely to increase by 5-8%. Climate change impacts on Africa’s ecosystems will probably have a negative effect on tourism as, according to one study, between 25 and 40% of mammal species in national parks in sub-Saharan Africa will become endangered.
Presentation title It is likely that climate change will alter the ecology of some disease vectors in Africa, and consequently the spatial and temporal transmission of such diseases. Most assessments of health have concentrated on malaria and there are still debates on the attribution of malaria resurgence in some African areas. The need exists to examine the vulnerabilities and impacts of future climate change on other infectious diseases such as dengue fever, meningitis and cholera, among others.
Presentation title Education is key to tackling climate change at its root cause and to win public support for climate change policies and actions. In their national communications to the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, many African countries have reported that climate change has been included in the curricular at primary, secondary and higher education levels. In addition climate change issues are increasingly addressed through informal education by non-governmental and community-based organizations in many African countries.
Presentation title While it is important to teach science to foster an understanding of climate change and its adverse effects, it is equally important to focus climate change education on social aspects, ethics and skills that prepare individuals to adapt. key role in promoting behavioural change to embark on a low-carbon development path Furthermore education plays a. Given the strong economic growth in a number of African countries it becomes increasingly important to promote sustainable economic development.
Presentation title As a case study for climate change education in Africa I would like to present the case of Tanzania. Within the last years Tanzania has undertaken major efforts to incorporate climate change issues in the national curricula and ensure that climate change education is included on all educational levels. Furthermore the government has organized targeted training for teachers and developed a variety of educational tools to support education on climate change at primary, secondary and university level. In addition a number of non-governmental and community-based organizations are supporting informal education on climate change through the organization of events, films, debates, essay writing competitions in schools and the production of information materials that illustrate the impacts of climate change and engage the public in tackling climate change through initiatives in their communities and beyond.
Presentation title Technology can be a powerful solution for simultaneously addressing climate change and advancing development. The UNFCCC secretariat supports developing countries to assess their technology needs to identify, evaluate and prioritize technological means for both mitigation and adaptation, in order to achieve a sustainable development. According to the UNFCCC secretariat many African countries have a strong need for the development of institutional and human capacity. With regard to climate change mitigation action, countries identified technology needs in the energy, forestry, waste management sector. To support adaptation measures there is a particular need for technology in the agricultural sector and for water management.
Presentation title This diagram illustrates the priority area for technology needs of African countries
Presentation title In order to address climate change in Africa it is important to increase collaboration at the national, sub-national and local levels. At a regional workshop on climate change education, training and public awareness in Africa a number of case studies were presented that showcased that that effective education on climate change needs to involve faith and community-based organizations. At the same workshop the importance of climate change observation and research networks was highlighted. It is important that more attention is given to these areas in future.
Presentation title In addition to formal education at schools and universities it is important to support informal education activities by non-governmental organizations in order to ensure a broad dissemination of knowledge on climate change. Technology transfer is a crucial component for African countries to effectively mitigate and adapt to climate change. In order to strengthen support to education, science and technology, collaboration with regional bodies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations as well as with the private sector need to be improved.