WorldGBC Advancing Net Zero Status Report 2022 Africa: The status of net zero in the region Africa’s journey towards net zero emissions is a critical part of this global transition to limiting global warming to 1.5°C - 2°C by 2050. Unlike other regions and more industrialised continents, Africa has had a negligible contribution to historical emissions and currently accounts for only 4% of the world’s CO 2 emissions from energy and industrial sources, according to the UN. However, Africa is home to 1.3 billion people and this number is projected to grow to 3 billion by 2060, with Africa’s carbon output per person growing exponentially faster than its population. This is to be expected as increases in income and urbanisation leads to higher per capita fuel and electricity consumption. This projected increase in carbon emissions from Africa is one of the drivers towards a net zero carbon development pathway by governments, cities and private sector across the continent. While the Paris Agreement recognises that those nations who have contributed the most historical emissions and benefited from the burning of fossil fuels should reduce emissions and decarbonise faster than those who have not, carbon budgets still continue to be rapidly used up and the 1.5°C scenario is increasingly under threat. Africa is one of the world’s regions most vulnerable to and disproportionately affected by climate change according to the UN, already experiencing average temperature increases of 0.7°C over much of the continent, and facing a wide range of impacts, including more frequent droughts and floods. Africa’s net zero transition is an opportunity to leapfrog old technology and implement low carbon and net zero carbon renewable energy systems to power a growing population. African Development Bank (AfDB) has committed $2.8 billion to South Africa over the next five years to support the drive towards achieving net zero emissions. Africa must industrialise and needs reliable and clean energy in order to drive economic growth and reduce poverty. Any net zero transition must also accelerate and support a just transition. In order to ease this transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, and the future burden on energy grids, sustainable built environments must play a key role as a critical climate solution. By maximising the energy efficiency of new buildings, retrofitting and renovating existing buildings and ensuring both are supplied by renewable energy, this will minimise the demand needed. Beyond the immediate contributions towards a reduction of energy demand and operational emissions, net zero and sustainable built environments can provide wider holistic benefits and resilience against the impacts of climate change. PAGE 49
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