Unpacking the Race to Zero Campaign and its Impact on the realisation of the right to development in Africa
Posted: 2 February, 2024 Filed under: Elim Shanko | Tags: African Charter of Human and Peoples Rights, climate challenges, climate justice, cyclones, decarbonisation strategy, devastating droughts, development goals, Disaster Risk Reduction reports, energy justice, energy-poor zones, GHG emissions, global crisis, Just Transition, over-consumers, Paris Agreement, Race to Zero Campaign, renewable sources, right to development, sustainable development, sustainable future Leave a comment
Author: Elim Shanko
Sustainable development consultant, RA Consulting
Introduction
The African continent, recently grappling with unprecedented climate challenges, finds itself at the forefront of a global crisis. From devastating droughts to intense cyclones, the impacts have been severe, costing lives and disrupting economies. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction reports that climate catastrophes cost Africa 12.3% of its GDP between 2015 and 2021. Shockingly, Africa’s 30 deadliest weather disasters have all occurred since 2022, attributing climate change as the primary cause. Thus, the Race to Zero (RtZ) campaign emerges as a key player in the pursuit of a sustainable future. This article critically examines the campaign’s structure and its implications for Africa’s unique challenges, questioning its alignment with principles of climate justice, energy justice, and a just transition and ultimately assessing its impact on the realisation of the right to development.
AfricLaw 