Climate Action Now -- Africa

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of our time, reshaping industries, revolutionizing how we live, and offering new solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Among these challenges is climate change, a global crisis that demands immediate and innovative action. But while AI holds great promise in the fight against climate change, it also comes with significant environmental costs. This blog explores the dual impact of AI on climate change, highlighting both its potential to mitigate the crisis and the risks it poses if not managed responsibly. AI’s Positive Impact on Climate Change Optimizing Energy Efficiency: One of the most significant ways AI is helping to combat climate change is through optimizing energy use. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and inefficiencies in energy consumption across industries, buildings, and transportation networks. For i...

As the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, the need for effective adaptation strategies has never been more critical. Locally led adaptation, which focuses on empowering communities to develop and implement climate resilience measures, is gaining recognition as a key approach to addressing the impacts of climate change. Here are eight fundamental principles that guide locally led adaptation efforts: 1. Community Ownership and Participation At the heart of locally led adaptation is the principle of community ownership. Solutions must be driven by the communities they aim to support. This involves engaging local stakeholders in all stages of the adaptation process—from identifying vulnerabilities to designing and implementing solutions. By ensuring that communities have a say in decision-making, adaptation measures are more likely to be relevant, effective, and sustainable. 2. Incorporation of Traditional Knowledge Local knowledge and traditional practices pla...

As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, the call for solutions to reduce fossil fuel emissions has never been more urgent. Among the most promising strategies is the widespread adoption of mass transport systems. By shifting more people from private vehicles to public transportation, we can make significant strides toward mitigating environmental damage and fostering a more sustainable future. The Environmental Crisis Fossil fuel emissions from transportation are a major contributor to global warming. Private vehicles, particularly those powered by gasoline and diesel, emit large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants. These emissions not only accelerate climate change but also deteriorate air quality, posing severe health risks. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), transport accounts for about a quarter of global CO2 emissions, with road transport being the largest contributor. Reducing these emissions is critical if w...

On July 15, we celebrate World Youth Skills Day, an event dedicated to the importance of equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive in the modern world. This year's theme, "Skills for Peace," underscores the vital role that skill development plays in fostering a peaceful and sustainable future. One key area where this is especially relevant is the development of green skills. In this blog, we explore how green skills contribute to peace and why they are essential for the youth of today. Understanding Green Skills Green skills are the abilities and knowledge required to support environmental sustainability and address the challenges of climate change. These skills encompass a wide range of activities, including renewable energy production, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and environmental conservation. As the world increasingly recognizes the importance of sustainable development, green skills are becoming more critical than ever. Green Ski...

  AI for Climate Resilience in Emerging Markets Call for Proposals Apply Call for proposals: AI for Climate Resilience Mercy Corps Ventures is launching a call for proposals focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Climate Resilience. This initiative seeks startups or organizations deploying innovative AI-based solutions for climate resilience in emerging markets. This is the second call for proposals from our Climate Venture Lab, following the Climate Tech Facility launched in November 2023, which received 412 proposals from over 50 countries. Through these initiatives, we are committing up to $1,000,000 to test first-of-a-kind solutions increasing the resilience of climate vulnerable people in Africa, Asia and Latin America, aiming to build the knowledge base on how innovative technology can increase climate resilience for the most vulnerable. In the AI for Climate Resilience call, we seek partners to test these potential uses of climate analytics and AI to enhance t...

  As we confront the escalating impacts of climate change, the concept of a "just transition" has emerged as a crucial framework for ensuring that the shift to a sustainable future is fair and inclusive. But what exactly does a just transition entail, and why is it so important? What is a Just Transition? A just transition seeks to balance the need for rapid climate action with the imperative of social justice. It ensures that the move towards a low-carbon economy does not disproportionately burden workers, communities, and countries that are currently reliant on fossil fuels. Instead, it aims to create opportunities for all, fostering economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability simultaneously. Key Principles of a Just Transition Equity and Fairness : A just transition prioritizes the needs of those most affected by the shift to a green economy, including workers in traditional energy sectors, marginalized communities, and develop...