The absurd inequality of climate work — and how to fix it | Joshua Amponsem

2024/12/18

TED Talks Daily

Joshua M. Ponson

Joshua M. Ponson：在应对气候变化的过程中，存在着严重的不平等现象。全球南方，特别是非洲的青年，主要从事低收入、劳动密集型的体力工作，例如植树造林或手工采矿，而很少有机会参与到高附加值的战略性工作中，例如数据分析、碳市场管理等。这种不平等的根源在于殖民主义的历史遗留问题以及全球气候资金分配的不公平。为了改变这种现状，我们需要改变思维模式，将全球南方的青年作为气候转型工作的领导者，并重新投资他们的才能。这需要在学术界、金融界和政策领域进行全面的变革。首先，我们需要在全球南方的学术机构中培养更多关注气候解决方案的人才，增加对当地研究的资金投入，让当地研究人员成为主要作者。其次，我们需要增加对当地社区和青年的资金支持，减少投资风险，从而创造更多就业机会，并确保资金能够真正用于支持当地社区的可持续发展。最后，我们需要制定更加公平公正的政策，以确保气候转型能够惠及所有群体，并具有持久性和包容性。通过这些努力，我们可以确保非洲青年能够在气候变化应对中发挥领导作用，成为分析师、工程师、领导者等，而不是仅仅是劳动力。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why do young people in Africa often apply for labor-intensive, low-income climate jobs instead of strategic roles?

The mindset is rooted in colonialism, where global north partners are often seen as the only trusted sources for funding and leadership, leaving African youth to believe their role is limited to manual labor.

What percentage of climate research funding in Africa goes to global north institutions?

78% of all climate funding dedicated for climate research in Africa ends up in global north institutions.

How much of the $1.7 billion committed to land rights has gone to indigenous groups?

Only 2.4% of the $1.7 billion has been allocated to indigenous groups.

What percentage of climate philanthropy goes to young people?

Less than 1% of climate philanthropy is directed towards young people.

What is the Youth Climate Justice Fund's contribution to climate initiatives?

In less than two years, the fund has committed $2.1 million to about 90 groups across 40 countries.

What percentage of Africa's population is below the age of 30?

70% of Africa's population is below the age of 30.

How many jobs are expected to be generated by the transition to renewable energy in Africa in the next five years?

The transition to renewable energy is expected to generate two million jobs across Africa in the next five years.

What initiative in Accra has reduced emissions equivalent to a round-trip flight from Accra to London?

The zero-waste initiative in Accra has reduced emissions equivalent to a round-trip flight from Accra to London and has created numerous jobs.

What percentage of employment in Africa is in the informal economy?

83% of employment in Africa is in the informal economy.

What is the goal of the Green Africa Youth Organization in African universities?

The organization aims to scale efforts across universities in Africa, introducing new programs and resources to equip students with skills in emerging climate solutions.

Chapters

Joshua Amponsem highlights the significant disparity in climate work, where youth in the Global South are primarily involved in low-income, labor-intensive tasks, while leadership roles are dominated by the Global North. He emphasizes the urgent need to shift mindsets and funding to empower young people in the Global South as leaders in the climate transition.

Majority of climate workforce in Africa focuses on low-income labor, not leadership roles
Need for mindset shift to support Global South leadership in climate transition
70% of Africa's population is under 30, presenting an urgent need to invest in their talent

Shownotes Transcript

When it comes to tackling the climate crisis, the majority of the workforce in Africa believes their role is in the labor-intensive, low-income work — not in the strategic, analytical or leadership-based spaces, says climate visionary and entrepreneur Joshua Amponsem. He advocates for a shift in climate funding that fosters local talent and leadership, envisioning a future where African youth are key innovators in the climate movement.

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