African Opportunities, Global Benefits
NEW YORK - The global economic recession has translated into a
development crisis for Africa, which is revealing the continent's
vulnerability not only to economic contraction but also to climate
change. Changing weather patterns are already affecting the lives of
millions of Africans by reducing food security, facilitating the spread
of diseases like malaria, and prompting mass migration. The livelihoods
and lives of millions of people are at risk.
Paradoxically, this crisis also presents a unique opportunity for
Africa. The urgency of efforts to address climate change is revealing
interesting prospects on the mitigation side, particularly in the areas
of renewable energy and low-carbon growth. There is a real possibility
to steer countries toward a new development model that will benefit not
only Africa, but also the world.
In the meantime, adaptation to climate change is critical. For
Africa this means "weather proofing" development by increasing food
yields, investing in climate-resilient crops and infrastructure,
promoting rainwater harvesting, and expanding medical control measures
in anticipation of an increase in vector-borne diseases. Africa needs
additional resources, over and above existing aid commitments, to adapt
to climate change.
Financing adaptation to climate will be a formidable challenge,
particularly as it involves additional costs above traditional
development assistance - at a time when foreign-aid budgets are under
pressure. Estimates of the amounts needed by developing countries to
help them adapt to these challenges vary between $50 and $100 billion
per year. This is why British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's proposal to
create a fund for climate change is so welcome.
Failing to act now will increase costs in the future - both
financial and humanitarian. We all stand to lose from a reversal of the
economic and social progress made across Africa in the past decade.
Burgeoning markets might disappear and investment opportunities
evaporate, while the risk of political instability will increase.
Every percentage-point fall in growth has direct social
consequences, whether on nutrition levels, infant mortality, or school
attendance. Every person pushed back into poverty is another step away
from achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
For all of these reasons, the continued engagement and support of
all of Africa’s partners, including the G-8 countries, is vital. As
this year’s DATA Report from the Africa advocacy group ONE underscores,
many donors are honoring their aid commitments, despite the economic
downturn.
These countries recognize the practical value of investing in
Africa's development, as well as the moral and political imperative of
keeping their promises. They acknowledge that Africa is bearing the
brunt of the economic and climate crises, even though it was least
responsible for creating them. Regrettably, this is not the case for
all G-8 countries. Italy, this year's G-8 host, has fallen behind its
peers at a time when it is supposed to lead by example.
We need solutions that will prevent environmental catastrophe and
that are equitable for every human being. This will require bold
political leadership and unprecedented solidarity between rich and poor
countries. At this year's G-8 summit, a breakthrough on supporting
agriculture, investing in green technology, and strengthening health
systems is possible. We hope that the G-8 leaders demonstrate foresight
and include Africa in their deliberations. Africa’s international
partners must not look the other way at this crucial moment.
Kofi Annan, a former Secretary-General of the United Nations, is Chair of the Africa Progress Panel.
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