The Climate Crisis in Africa

Africa accounts for less than 4% of global emissions and yet is hugely impacted by the climate crisis. Colonization and racism have made Africa and her people extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change. They have fueled the continued oppression and exploitation of the continent. In this workshop, African leaders from different parts of the continent will share how they and their communities are impacted by the climate crisis and their ongoing work to stop it.  Listening to the experiences of Africans is important in building a global united climate movement that works toward solutions that work for everyone.

Because of racism, the climate crisis in Africa receives less attention in the global environmental movement, the media, and decision-making bodies. The historical oppression and current systems set in place by neocolonialism make climate change a threat multiplier in Africa, as we face multiple crises at the same time.

In this workshop;

•  We will listen to African leaders share Africa’s struggles as a continent in relation to climate change and examine the effects of historic and systemic racism on our lives, communities and the climate crisis.
• At intervals during the workshop, participants will be in small groups of two or more to process what they have heard and take turns to listen to each other’s stories. We will also have the opportunity to express our emotions and hurts caused by climate change and its effects. Sharing experiences is a powerful tool that strengthens our resolve, commitment and activism.
• Participants will learn about the theory and practice the tools of Sustaining All Life and United to End Racism as a strategy to overcome the effects of oppression in our individual lives and organizations.
• We will use the tools of Re-evaluation Counseling to free ourselves from the harm done by oppression and from other hurts that interfere with our functioning and separate us from one another and from the world around us. Our experience is that people can heal from hurtful experiences if someone listens to us attentively and allows and encourages us to release the grief, fear, and other painful emotions.Optional one-half hour listening circle follows.