The "Africa Ecological Footprint Report : Green Infrastructure for Africa's Ecological Security" takes stock of the health of Africa’s ecosystems, as well as trends in resources use patterns. It also lays out recommendations on implementing green development pathways for Africa . The report highlights a steep decline in biodiversity in Africa: 40% in 40 years. This decline reflects a degradation of the natural systems upon which Africa’s current and future prosperity depends. In addition, rapid population growth and increasing prosperity are changing consumption patterns, with the result that Africa’s ecological footprint—the area needed to generate the resources consumed by a given group or activity – has been growing steadily. Africa's total ecological footprint is set to double by 2040. Continuing on a business-as-usual scenario means jeapordizing the natural systems on which lives and economies depend. Yet Africa is in an advantageous position to act. This report showcases successful initiatives across Africa as solutions to be up-scaled in areas such as renewable energy, integrated water resource management, ecotourism, and forest conservation.
This study provides an overview of the key challenges ahead for the African continent to reach strong, sustained and shared growth and identifies green growth as one of the key means for Africa to overcome these obstacles. Given Africa’s abundant natural and biological resources, good opportunities exist to set a low carbon growth and development path. Furthermore, the study highlights that investing in Africa’s renewable energy resources, such as solar, hydro, wind, thermal and biomass would help to draw international financing, as it could contribute not only to addressing global climate changes and local energy shortage problems, but also to providing a chance to create a new global market. This kind of investment can bring about more jobs and trade opportunities in Africa.
