Tackling climate change requires sustainable energy revolution – UNIDO

The Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Kandeh K. Yumkella says efforts made in tackling climate change should walk hand-in-hand with an energy revolution.

According to him, meeting climate change goals requires nothing short of an energy revolution that would provide sustainable energy for all.

“We cannot solve climate change without an energy revolution – they are interconnected. Although both are often portrayed in terms of challenges, there are also huge opportunities for Africa’s economy and its people,” Mr Yumkella told a meeting of African Energy Ministers in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The meeting of the Ministers is to work towards improved integrated energy planning and ensuring the design and development of sound energy projects that can alter Africa’s energy pathway.

Mr. Yumkella emphasized the point that Africa will not be able to develop socially or economically without ensuring that all people have access to modern, clean energy services which requires a clear focus on providing sustainable energy.

He urged leaders to focus on practical energy projects, and set clear goals and targets at global climate negotiating forums and beyond.

Available facts indicate that only 42% of Africa’s population has access to electricity, with the rate for sub-Saharan Africa being as low as 31% – the lowest rate of any region in the world.

But governments are aiming at least to double the existing generating capacity in sub-Saharan Africa in the next seven or eight years.

By Ekow Quandzie