By RFIPalled on 23-09-2019edited on 23-09-2019 at 04:35

On the eve of the opening of the UN General Assembly in New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres convened an extraordinary climate summit on Monday. On the agenda, very ambitious objectives: less than 45% of greenhouse gas emissions in the next 10 years; zero emissions in 2050. But for African countries, the challenge is that these goals must be achieved while growing their economies.

From our special correspondent in New York , Léonard Vincent

To participate in the global climate effort, many African countries are facing a contradiction. According to scientists, seven of the ten countries most affected by climate change are on the continent, from Sierra Leone to Eritrea. The shores, the cities, but especially the food needs of the populations are directly threatened. The UN is pushing for more frugality, therefore, even as African governments say they want to grow further, that is, to produce more.

Rethinking agriculture

So in order to achieve the UN's goals, the continent's economies should be radically transformed, according to UNCTAD, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Dependence on oil and gas should be fought: we think of Angola or Algeria, for example. Agriculture must be rethought, for the good of both peoples and soils. And a different use of natural resources, especially mining, should be introduced.

This is also a reason for hope, says UNCTAD. The needs for new raw materials, such as renewable energies, could drive a continent rich in natural resources. Provided, of course, that they begin to be exploited differently, that is, rationally.

■ In Burkina Faso, the solar success of Zagtouli

One year after its launch, the Zagtouli solar power station is the pride of the leaders of the national electricity company of Burkina. With 55.7 gigawatt hours produced in its first year of operation, it far exceeded expectations.

In a few years, Burkina Faso intends to position itself as the leading producer of solar energy in the sub-region.

Burkina: after Zagtouli, several solar power projects in anticipation

22-09-2019

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