The absurd inequality of climate work — and how to fix it | Joshua Amponsem
Dec 18, 2024
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Joshua Amponsem, a climate visionary and entrepreneur, explores the vast inequality in climate-related job opportunities in Africa. He argues that local talent and innovative leadership are essential in the climate movement. Amponsem advocates for shifting funding to empower African youth, transforming them into climate leaders. He also highlights the launch of the Youth Climate Justice Fund to rectify resource disparities and promote sustainability. It's a compelling call to invest in local solutions and harness the potential of the global south.
Young people from the global south must be empowered to take on leadership roles in climate strategies rather than being restricted to manual labor.
There is a critical need for equitable climate funding that supports local communities in the global south to drive effective climate action.
Deep dives
Global South Leadership in Climate Transition
Young people in the global south must lead the climate transition to ensure effective change. Historical contexts highlight a mindset where these individuals are pigeonholed into labor-intensive roles, creating a significant gap in leadership opportunities. The speaker emphasizes the need for a shift in perception, advocating that talent from the global south should not just perform manual tasks but also take on critical roles in environmental strategies. By investing in this talent pool, we can harness their potential to lead innovative projects and contribute significantly to achieving global climate goals.
Climate Inequity and Funding Challenges
There is a stark inequity in climate funding and research, with a disproportionate amount directed towards institutions in the global north. For example, between 2016 and 2020, a substantial percentage of cited climate research originated from northern institutions, leaving southern researchers underrepresented. The speaker highlights a need for financial resources to flow into local communities to empower them for climate action. Initiatives like the Youth Climate Justice Fund aim to support underfunded groups by providing crucial funding, thereby fostering a culture of local leadership in climate solutions.
Policy and Job Creation in Renewable Energy
Effective policies play a crucial role in facilitating a just transition to renewable energy, with the potential to create millions of jobs across Africa. The speaker points out that many informal workers currently dominate the workforce, underscoring the need for policies that incorporate these individuals into the formal economy. Specific initiatives have been successful, such as those in Accra promoting job creation while reducing emissions through community-driven approaches. This example illustrates the importance of including affected communities in policy-making processes to secure long-term sustainability and meaningful economic opportunities.
When it comes to tackling the climate crisis, the majority of the workforce in Africa believes their role is in the labor-intensive, low-income work — not in the strategic, analytical or leadership-based spaces, says climate visionary and entrepreneur Joshua Amponsem. He advocates for a shift in climate funding that fosters local talent and leadership, envisioning a future where African youth are key innovators in the climate movement.