Mines minister Tom Alweendo says saving the planet by reducing greenhouse gas emissions should not adversely affect the livelihoods in some societies.
Speaking at the Economic Association of Namibia event in Windhoek on Wednesday, Alweendo said there are still those who want an energy transition roadmap that completely ignores “our circumstances—a strategy that has the potential to leave us more impoverished”.
The event, themed discussing Optimising Economic Returns: The Role of Critical Minerals, was organised FNB, Hans Seidel Foundation and Bank Windhoek.
The minister said they suggest, and sometimes demand, that Africa give up its fossil fuel energy sources.
“They coax us to, as soon as possible, switch to clean renewable energy sources such as wind and solar,” he said, adding that it shows a total lack of concern about the negative impacts of rushing Africa’s switch from fossil fuels to renewables.
“Think about the potential loss of economic opportunities and more significant difficulties in delivering reliable electricity to the hundreds of millions of Africans who need it so badly.
“Think about the ensuing loss of the livelihood that most African countries have carefully nurtured over the last few decades.
“Pushing Africa to move forward with an energy transition on any timetable other than our own is another example of the global community’s lack of appreciation for African priorities,” he said.
The minister said Africa is not saying this to undermine the dedication of climate change activists because the reality of climate change impacts is undeniable.
“However,” Alweendo said, “we can address climate change while tackling energy poverty through the judicious use of our natural resources.”
According to Alweendo, with over 600 million Africans lacking access to electricity, a comprehensive approach is imperative to overcome the current energy deficit.
“Let us remember that no nation has yet to achieve industrialization solely through solar or wind power,” he said.
He added that those industrialised today, with financial reserves, are better positioned to finance their energy transitions.
“We must be able to drive our energy transition initiatives by using what we have now to achieve what we envision for our future,” he said.
To waiver from this goal is a risky and unacceptable proposition, he said.
