African politicians have been urged by the global environmental organisation 350.Org to demonstrate a stronger commitment to the phase-out of fossil fuels and to allocate resources towards the advancement of the renewable energy industry.
Before the “Power Up” for climate solutions campaign launched, Ms. Rukiya Khamis, Regional Organiser, 350Africa.org, made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
We demand that the fossil fuel business take responsibility for its part in the global catastrophe, pledge to phase out fossil fuels, and empower the continent safely by allocating funds to people-centered renewable energy sources.
According to Khamis, many environmental and social issues, particularly in Africa, have been exacerbated by our over reliance on fossil fuels for energy generation.
She emphasised that Africa must turn inward and accelerate the development of its abundant renewable energy resources, particularly those related to wind and solar power.
“We are optimistic that a habitable future is feasible as we witness increasing climate consequences, to which the African continent is the most vulnerable.
“Africa offers a unique opportunity to lead the global renewable energy revolution and promote an equitable transition away from fossil fuels because of its abundance of renewable energy potential,” the speaker stated.
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The environmental activist stated that the NGO was spearheading the global month-long “Power Up” campaign as part of its efforts to promote a clean, peaceful, and equitable future for Africans.
According to her, the goal of the campaign was to force governments to alter the narrative.
“We will be putting pressure on governments to straighten up and recover the exorbitant profits earned by the fossil fuel sector starting on November 3rd.
“They need to use this money to supercharge a global renewable energy revolution—one that is fair and shares resources equally—whether it be through taxes, ending subsidies, or halting investments in new fossil fuel projects.”
She claims that in order to develop a clean and sustainable environment, the NGO works closely with neighbourhood associations and communities to spread awareness of the need for community-centered renewable initiatives.
Our planet’s rapid warming is not a coincidence; rather, a few avaricious enterprises (oil firms) are the guilty parties.
“They have obstructed climate action for years, all in an effort to preserve their ridiculous wealth.
It’s time to liberate ourselves from the shackles of coal, oil, and gas and hold the polluters accountable for the drastic changes we sorely require.
Not only are we venting our rage on the streets, but we also have a strong sense of hope. We are committed to creating the better future we know exists.
People are already driving global change in the direction of a sustainable, fair, and clean world.
“As wind and solar power continue to break records and become more affordable every day, we have the technology and tools necessary to make this transition a reality. The only thing lacking is political will,” the speaker stated.
The NGO in Nigeria has scheduled a number of “Power Up” events to occur in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ogoni territory in the Niger Delta region to increase public awareness of environmental deterioration, oil spills, and the necessity of switching to renewable energy sources.
- Org is a prominent civil society organisation that has been actively advocating for the just transition to renewable energy sources and the cessation of fossil fuel exploitation in Africa.In NAN
