Our inaugural session saw Prof. James Kinter of the George Mason University and the Virginia Climate Center take Fellows through a critical aspect of the Climate Change Agenda.
His Presentation titled, Climate Change: The Reality, Inevitable, and the Hope for the Future, highlighted the damage human actions continue to cause the planet, the struggles of the global south particularly Africa despite contributing less to global emissions and the urgent need for collective action. He also shared with Fellows numerous opportunities young people can take advantage of.
His presentation served as a reminder that, together we can do so much.
Last weekend, our second module titled Sustainable Development and Green Economy saw Nyasha Milanzi lead a presentation on #FEW systems and how interconnected they are, hence not dealing with them in silos. She highlighted some of the challenges Africa faces in this regard and the opportunities young people can take advantage of. The WEF Nexus Index was a valuable resource shared with Fellows in tracking country progress.
Portia Adu – Mensah (Mrs) reminded us of the solar energy opportunities Africa has amidst the challenges of inadequate funding opportunities, limited capacity building avenues, etc. She reiterated the fact that, in meeting the goal of tripping renewable power and doubling energy efficiency by 2030, there’s the need for financial support for developing countries, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and Africa-based solutions.
Ahmed M. Alaqaly of the Aswan University also led Fellows through the innovative and practical ways of managing plastic waste. Considering the negative effects of plastic waste on the environment amidst the health and socio-economic concerns, it is essential that innovative ways are deployed to turn waste into resources and to minimize the challenge.
We also had some of the Fellows share the various impactful works they are doing in their countries and organizations towards ensuring sustainable development to serve as a motivation and learning point to others.
It has been insightful so far and we at GreenLead are grateful to our Instructors and Fellows for making this journey of impact with us.