Carbon colonialism at Africa's expense.

Since the start of the industrial revolution in the mid-1700s, fossil fuels have played a pivotal role in the expansion of our economies. The Western world has developed off the back of carbon intensive non-renewable resources, yet the consequences of these actions are becoming increasingly evident, and it is the poor who are set to pay the disproportionate price.

Our warming climate is unequivocally linked to our preceding and continued use of fossil fuels, and the evidence that links our carbon intensive past to climate change, is scientifically, virtually irrefutable.

Despite the seemingly positive outlook that the European Union’s (EU) fossil fuel reliance is at an all-time low, there is no denying the EU’s continued requirement for non-renewables, and the need for them to be sourced outside of pre-existing partnerships.

Nearly four years on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, loopholes in the somewhat failed sanctions’ regime have allowed Europe to maintain its fossil fuel ties with Moscow. But with a continent-wide pledge to terminate all deals with the Russian energy sector by 2027, the alternative for resource extraction, is likely to become Africa.

European companies have already made a dash for African reserves, which, as described by the International Institute of Sustainable Development, will undermine African state interests for the sake of European company profits. It appears – at least at present – that Africa’s energy future will rest in the hands of the Western world.

Africa could now be poised to play a critical role in fuelling the oil and gas requirements of Europe, but while the latter triumphs in its success of finding a solution to its own energy problem, has the world given any consideration to the impacts that will face Africa?

At risk, is Africa’s own energy requirements, and its potential for a green economy. By investing in its fossil fuels, it is forced towards an unsustainable non-renewable future that threatens its people, its peace, and its continental stability.

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For more information contact: info@scarabtrust.org.uk