The conversation on climate change is dominated by narratives that are often one-dimensional, incomplete, and intellectually dishonest. Yet, if our generation does not grapple with the issue of climate change with maturity and honesty, then we will continue to literally put the future of our children at peril. And we will rightly be judged as the generation that shirked our responsibility and did the bare minimum when we could have done everything possible to secure the welfare of people and planet. I will unpack four narratives in the climate change narrative that have proven stubborn, and are already causing disquiet and irritation, particularly in countries that are not rich. The newest emphasis of this narrative is the China blame game, one that conveniently omits realities such as legacy and per capita contributions. This piece will centre a view from Africa in the spirit of COP 27 being held in Egypt later in the year.
The first myth that we are all responsible for climate change. This is not true. The consequences of climate change are global, the causes are not. If you look at the past industrial revolutions, Africa literally could not participate in them and therefore, played marginal roles in the emissions, pollution and problems that stemmed from them. As Dr Bitange Ndemo has pointed out, the first industrial revolution, defined by mechanisation, occurred between mid-18th century to about 1830. During this time, Africa was deep in the struggle to end Africans being bought and sold as slaves, particularly through the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Slavery ‘officially’ ended in1865. The second industrial revolution, defined by mass production and electricity, happened between the late 19th century into the early 20th century. During this time, Africa was being invaded by colonial powers and thus was focused on the fight to stem off invasions and subjugation by colonial powers. Most African countries managed to end direct colonisation by the 1960s, but some countries such as Zimbabwe, did not secure independence until 1980.
The third industrial revolution, defined by automation, ICT and electronics, started in the mid to late 1900s onwards. This industrial revolution started during Africa’s post-independence era and the Cold War. The Cold War era for Africa was terrible, defined by newly formed African governments being forced to choose sides (Capitalism/Democracy versus Socialism/ Communism). Africa was the location of Cold War proxy wars (such as the Congo Crisis and the Angola Civil War) which cost African lives and severely compromised the economic development of the continent. This era was defined by dictatorships (often bolstered by external powers), coups and countercoups, and the relegation of Africa as a source of raw materials to power industries elsewhere. This background is provided to demonstrate that continents such as Africa could not and did not contribute to the industrial emissions, pollution and environmental problems that have led to the climate change crisis today. The global north ought to take ownership for the majority role it has played in creating this crisis, which leads to the next point.
The silence and lethargy on taking responsibility for legacy climate change contributions is deafening. Columbia University’s Climate School has done some fascinating analysis on legacy contributions, rightfully stating that the onus to address climate change should be on those countries which brought it about: