AES

African Carbon Projects

Compared to other developing and emerging markets, Africa has low GHG emissions. It is estimated that the region contributes to only 7 percent of the global emissions.

Some players in the carbon market assumed therefore that Africa have fewer opportunities to gain credits. This view is changing and efforts are being made by governments, development groups, and investors to increase Africas participation in carbon markets.

Despite the regions comparatively low volumes of emissions to the global GHG emissions, Africas economic, ecological and socio-political systems are vulnerable to climate change. Adverse affects of climate change via erratic rainfall and droughts are suspected to impact African hydro electric systems and power supplies, suggesting increased efforts are needed to diversify the national energy frameworks.

AES believes there are good opportunities in Africa to fulfil the social development objectives inherent to the carbon market by promoting renewable energy technology and tackling and reducing GHG emissions from dirty industry, diesel generators, kerosene lamps, and landfills and dumpsites.

Moreover as fuel prices continue to rise globally, African development is affected. Energy is a key requirement for social and economic development. Today, nearly 2 billion people, most of them living in rural areas of developing countries, have no access to modern forms of energy. Carbon markets should support the CDM sustainable development objectives and also the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and invest in clean and modern energy supply that is essential for social development and poverty reduction.

The Millennium Development Goals and the role of energy

  At the start of the new millennium, the international   community decided that it was time to get serious about   poverty reduction. The United Nations formulated eight   goals that must be achieved by 2015, known as the   Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

  The role of energy in reaching the MDGs is important and is   described in a number of publications, such as UNDP   Energizing the Millennium Development Goals, and UN Energy   in the energy challenge for achieving the Millennium   Development Goals.

  • MDG 1: reduce by half (compared to 1990) the number of people living on less than a dollar a day and who suffer from hunger.
  • MDG 2: ensure that all boys and girls complete a full course of primary schooling.
  • MDG 3: eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education, preferably by 2005 and at all education levels by 2015.
  • MDG 4: reduce by two thirds (compared to 1990) the mortality rate among children under five.
  • MDG 5: reduce by three quarters (compared to 1990) the maternal mortality rate.
  • MDG 6: halt the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB.
  • MDG 7: reduce by half the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water.
  • MDG 8: ensure that rich countries lift trade barriers to poor countries, lighten their debt burden, provide access to affordable medicines and make more financial aid available.

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