The former vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), has said Africa contributes minimally to greenhouse gas emissions and suffers disproportionately from climate impacts.

Osinbajo, who was guest speaker at the 23rd S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture, organised by the Nigeria Conservation Foundation, highlighted the urgency of adopting climate-positive growth to foster sustainable economic development across Africa.

The lecture, themed, “Greening Africa’s Economies: Can Climate-Positive Growth Deliver Prosperity?” underscored the importance of environmental conservation in driving prosperity on the continent.

He said, “As Africa faces the twin challenge of development and climate action, the NCF lecture underlined the continent’s potential to lead a global transition to sustainable growth. With visionary leadership and global support, Africa could transform its challenges into opportunities for a greener and more prosperous future.

“On the paradox of Africa’s climate crisis, while the continent contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, it suffers disproportionately from climate impacts. Studies predicting significant sea-level rise threatening major African coastal cities, and the compounded challenges of extreme poverty, food insecurity, unemployment, and energy deficits.

“Africa is the least emitter of greenhouse gases but is warming faster than other continents. Over 600 million Africans lack access to electricity, while 950 million lack clean cooking fuel. Energy poverty exacerbates extreme poverty and limits human development opportunities.”

Osinbajo described climate change as the most serious global challenge facing humanity, emphasising the need for visionary approaches to address its impacts.

He proposed a shift towards climate-positive economic growth, urging African nations to avoid the carbon-intensive industrialisation pathways adopted by developed countries.

He warned, “Replicating such models could make Africa the leading emitter of greenhouse gases by 2050. Instead, he called for the continent to harness its abundant renewable energy resources to pursue green industrialisation and sustainable development.

“Africa has the potential to become the first true green industrial civilisation. By leveraging our vast renewable energy resources, young entrepreneurial talent, and natural assets, we can create low-carbon manufacturing hubs and protect our ecosystems. This approach will not only drive economic growth but also generate jobs and alleviate poverty,” Osinbajo stated.

He stressed the need for global investment in Africa’s green development, highlighting the financial disparities that hinder progress, and called for fair recognition and monetisation of Africa’s natural capital, including forests and wetlands, which serve as significant carbon sinks.

The Chairperson of the NCF’s National Executive Council, Justice R.I.B. Adebiyi, reiterated the foundation’s commitment to environmental conservation. She encouraged stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices such as water conservation, green energy, waste reduction, and tree planting to combat climate challenges.