Climate change poses a growing threat to sustainable development, particularly affecting marginalized communities with minimal contributions to greenhouse gas emissions. The 2022 Climate Vulnerability Index highlights Sub-Saharan Africa as a region at higher risk, impacting countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Chad, Guinea-Bissau, Sudan, Central African Republic, Niger, Zimbabwe, and Eritrea. This aligns with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s confirmation that Central Africa, West Africa, and East Africa are prominent global theaters for human vulnerability to Climate-friendliness, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.
The Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF) has consistently demonstrated its commitment to climate change and green growth with initiatives focused on economically empowering growth, decarbonization, climate friendliness, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. The Environment, Climate Change, and Migration cluster diligently works towards enhancing climate resilience and adopting a low-carbon development path, aligning with the third Climate Change Action Plan 2021-2025. AYGF’s impactful projects include the Earth Restoration Campaign launched in 2022, emphasizing sensitization, education, and empowerment. The SEE Project, funded by ECOWAS, provided vocational skills training, including Green Skills, for refugees. In 2022, AYGF collaborated with various governmental and non-governmental entities such as the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Federal Ministry of Health, NIMASA, NOSDRA, and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation for the Earth Restoration Campaign. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about practices contributing to climate change. Additionally, AYGF addressed extreme flooding in Nigeria through a Press Conference, urging the Federal Government and stakeholders to commit to tackling this critical issue.
In 2023, AYGF continued its environmental efforts with the Zero Waste Campaign, themed “Turning Waste to Wealth.” Collaborating with Young Advocates for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future, AYGF, Eco cycle, and other CSOs embarked on practical cleanup exercises in underserved areas. Furthermore, in partnership with the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), AYGF outlined solutions for bridging the climate financing gap between the global North and the Global South. AYGF’s unwavering commitment to climate change action showcases the pivotal role youth-led organizations play in addressing environmental challenges and fostering sustainable development. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) estimates that climate change adaptation costs across Africa could surge to $50 billion annually by 2050, even if global temperatures do not exceed a 2°C rise above pre-industrial levels. Despite global commitments under the Paris Agreement to limit temperature increases, African nations face a significant challenge. The need for approximately $500 billion in 2030, as outlined in the 2022 Africa Economic Outlook, underscores the urgency for financing climate initiatives. The impediments of low commitment, limited access to finance, skills, and capacity building hinder positive outcomes. African leaders must unite, leveraging their considerable resources to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
