Govts must focus on climate change to achieve long-term sustained economic development, expert says

A climate action consultant for Sub-Sahara Africa explained that while economic development is crucial and must be a priority, it should not overshadow climate action, as they often progress together.

Chirag Shamdasani, who assists organizations with their climate strategies, noted that a nation might focus on development aimed at boosting income or job quality. However, if climate change undermines the starting point, these investments are at risk.

"Staple crops are vital for food security on the continent, yet they are increasingly threatened by the impacts of climate change, such as droughts, floods, and pests. While investment in these crops is critical, we must also address their current climate vulnerabilities. Green transformation involves mitigating these immediate risks while also transitioning towards a future where our reliance on these crops is reduced, ensuring our investments truly foster economic development," he told GSW in an interview.

Speaking about the immense opportunities for economic development that green transformation presents, he said: “Africa's untapped natural resources position it to be a global leader in clean energy. With 60% of the world’s solar energy potential and a significant share of critical minerals for electrification, the continent is at the forefront of renewable energy opportunities. These assets represent the right set of ingredients to capitalise on the global green economy momentum and drive economic growth."

Chirag also touched on the obstacles that hinder Africa's climate action progress. He noted that despite the continent's desire for environmental and economic advancements, it often faces challenges like resource scarcity and unequal access to crucial information.

He used North America as a contrast, where farmers are equipped with technology to anticipate and adapt to shifting weather patterns. "But consider Ghana," Chirag posed to GSW, "where farmers confronted with excessive rainfall must navigate flooding without adequate warning or understanding of how it alters their work. And even if they have the necessary knowledge, do they have the financial means to respond effectively?"

The climate change expert commended the growing awareness among governments and leaders who are gradually shifting the dialogue towards a more proactive stance.

According to him, these governments are moving away from viewing climate investments as a detriment to economic growth and starting to see the two as complementary forces driving sustainable development.

“I think the narrative is slowly shifting and people are starting to understand that it's not either or, it has to be both. Because you cannot have sustained long-term economic development without thinking about climate change,” he noted.

“I always emphasise that on the continent, economic development must be our foremost priority. When examining the global landscape, we have to ask ourselves, where is the likely source of future economic growth? Technology is an obvious contender. However, the green economy, encompassing climate change and climate action, represents another substantial area with immense growth potential for the continent,” he added.