Afrika Nå: Unpacking Climate Equity - the case of land conservation and carbon credits

Join us for a discussion on Africa’s critical role in the fight against climate change! Although Africa is not a driver of the climate crisis, it bears a huge burden of the consequences. Simultaneously, Africa's wealth of natural resources, expansive forests, and abundant renewable energy potential, position Africa as a vital player in the fight against climate change. New strategies to achieve “net zero” emissions are emerging rapidly. Many of these strategies involve compensating for emissions through various carbon offset schemes, often implemented in “the global South” by “the West.” However, these projects have raised concerns about land grabbing, damage, and displacement of local communities. Africa now stands at the forefront of this movement. This seminar will build on two case studies from South-Eastern Africa and Western Sahara to demonstrate practices in land conservation and renewable energy projects. These cases will help unpack key equity issues within the political economy of climate change. Following the case presentations, a panel discussion will provide insights into carbon markets and credit schemes, highlighting relevant green investments and initiatives in Africa, and how Norway plays a role in global climate finance and renewable energy initiatives. The discussion will explore both the opportunities and challenges these movements present for the continent. Are carbon schemes viable policies toward achieving “net zero”? Or a new form of colonialism? What specific opportunities do carbon markets offer Africa in the fight against climate change? With Ian Bryceson, Professor in International Environment and Development Studies, Noragric (NMBU), Erik Hagen, Director of The Norwegian Support Committee for Western Sahara, Girum Zeleke, Associate Professor in Civics at VID Specialized University and Asbjørn Torvanger from CICERO. Moderated by Erika Wie Dia from the Norwegian Council for Africa.