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Very interesting read. I swear I’ve been reading about how China’s been outpacing the West in Africa since the start of my undergrad, but nothing much ever seems to be done about it in response. 1/10 https://warontherocks.com/2021/05/the-eagle-and-the-dragon-in-africa-comparing-data-on-chinese-and-american-influence/
Africa is becoming an increasingly strategically vital area of the world. My (still very young and unqualified) gut tells me it could end up replacing the Middle East as rare minerals take over in importance from fossil fuels.
Obviously the whole issue is wider than just climate change, but here’s my climate spin: China’s emission intensive debt colonialism needs to be rivalled by clean growth which protects and enhances the African continent’s unique and precious environment.
The US, but also other western countries, should prioritise clean trade and green aid to Africa to offer a better alternative than the Chinese to take the lead in Africa (instead of spending our aid budget on Shaun the Sheep in Shanghai - as I found out y’day from @JeremyHuttn)
As apparently ever, the UK is doing pretty well on this (despite the foreign aid cut). The PM doubled our ICF unilaterally to £11.6bn. I’m happy to see the PM is lobbying other countries to pull their finger out: https://www.politico.eu/article/merkel-rebuffs-johnson-over-climate-payments/
Let’s not forget the African continent is set to be among the most disadvantaged by climate change: In the 21st century, Africans will thank those who help with mitigation and adaptation and who treat them as partners, rather than colonies.
Africa simultaneously will thrive in a net zero world. It’s natural resources are going to be necessary to fight the climate and nature crises and power global economy. D10 should get in early to help it to develop in a more sustainable way (than we did!) for our own benefit, too
I want to do loads more work on this but I wrote an article a while ago which touches on the subject which I feel justified in linking here!
China hasn’t won in Africa, but it’s winning. We need to offer a better alternative. That is clean trade & aid. https://capx.co/for-britain-taking-the-lead-on-climate-change-is-a-strategic-necessity/
China hasn’t won in Africa, but it’s winning. We need to offer a better alternative. That is clean trade & aid. https://capx.co/for-britain-taking-the-lead-on-climate-change-is-a-strategic-necessity/
And, if anyone reads this thread in the whirlwind of council and Scottish/Welsh elections, please please please sign up to what will be a fantastic CEN webinar on international nature - @JECullimore has put together a fantastic panel https://twitter.com/CEN_HQ/status/1389595674384101376?s=20
AND watch the very very good environmental diplomacy webinar which took place on Earth Day, put together by @LoisToole1 and @johnflesher90 https://twitter.com/CEN_HQ/status/1385142050635632643?s=20
