African governments’ climate action strategies, specifically those submitted under the nationally determined contributions, remain disproportionately focused on emission reductions — an approach that fails to address the most pressing health needs of African communities.
For many Africans, it’s hard to explain why their leaders prioritize reducing emissions which are rather low and insignificant when the immediate threat of climate change is not their carbon footprint but their vulnerability to its effects.
Consider the Democratic Republic of Congo. With a per capita carbon emission of just 0.04 metric tons, an average Congolese citizen would need over 400 years to match the emissions of a citizen in a high-income country such as the United States, Canada, or Australia. However, DRC’s NDC includes a commitment to reduce emissions by 2% based on national efforts, with a total target of 21% (including external support) by 2030 — a target that comes with a hefty price tag of $25.6 billion for mitigation compared to $23.1 billion for adaptation.
About the author
Githinji Gitahi
Dr. Githinji Gitahi is group chief executive officer of Amref Health Africa, the largest Africa-led international organization, reaching more than 11 million people each year through 150 health-focused projects across 35 countries. Previously, Dr. Githinji was vice president and Africa regional director for Smile Train International; managing director for Monitor Publications in Uganda; and general manager for marketing and circulation in East Africa for the Nation Media Group. Dr. Githinji also sits on the boards of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.
