The recent data from the International Energy Agency reveals that China's growth rate has slowed down significantly compared to the previous decade, while there has been a global increase in fossil fuel extraction, particularly in African countries like Nigeria and Tanzania. This focus on fossil fuels raises concerns about the long-term impact on climate and health, despite the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions.
The Green Climate Fund (GCF), which is the largest climate finance instrument globally, has approved only one renewable energy project in Africa since 2021, highlighting a significant lack of funding for clean energy initiatives. This approved project in Ghana contrasts with the pressing need for climate investments that could improve air pollution and health outcomes. Clean energy not only has environmental benefits but also offers opportunities for electrification, which can greatly improve women's and girls' health and promote gender equality.
Despite its ambitious goals, the GCF remains chronically underfunded, with a portfolio of only $13.5 billion as of December 2023, far below the expected $100 billion annually from donor countries. This lack of financial resources is compounded by political support for fossil fuel subsidies, which have been justified based on their price advantages. However, the economic rationale for such support is increasingly being challenged as the cost of solar power continues to decline, making it a more viable option compared to conventional thermal power. The resistance from existing industries to transition to renewable energy poses a significant barrier to the adoption of innovative energy technologies.
The private sector faces challenges in renewable energy development in Africa, particularly for small and medium-sized solar developers. Despite significant funding allocated to oil and gas, these developers struggle to secure the necessary funding for their projects. The lack of available financing for project preparation, including essential studies and permits, hinders private investment in renewable energy. As a result, many promising projects remain stalled due to insufficient pre-development grants or loans.
The intersection of health and climate policy has become a focal point for discussion as global health actors recognize the threat posed by climate change. Air pollution, largely caused by fossil fuel use, is a leading cause of mortality and results in millions of premature deaths annually. However, funding for studies that quantify the health impacts of air pollution in developing regions is scarce. Policymakers often lack the necessary resources to conduct comprehensive assessments of traffic and health, leading to decisions that prioritize road expansion over public health considerations. There is an urgent need for innovative research methodologies that can effectively capture the complex interactions between climate change and health outcomes.
The intricate relationships between environmental degradation and health outcomes present additional challenges for policymakers. Deforestation, for example, not only contributes to increased carbon emissions but also disrupts biodiversity, affecting rainfall patterns and water access. This disruption can lead to the emergence of pathogens, increasing the risk of outbreaks and pandemics. To inform policy decisions, there is a need to rethink traditional research models and prioritize actionable insights over purely academic pursuits. As funding for climate and health initiatives becomes increasingly critical, there is a growing call for innovative approaches to research and policy action.