African states should join rest of the world in reducing use of fossil fuels

During the African Union conference last week, lobby groups from several countries, including Kenya, urged the regional body to look into ways of stopping the use of coal. They also asked the AU to explore ways of phasing out other fossil fuels like natural gas and oil over the next three decades.

To many, this petition is outrageous. This is because the bulk of Africa’s energy needs is derived from fossil fuels. Most homesteads are lit by paraffin lamps, vehicles are fuelled by petrol or diesel while cooking is done using paraffin or gas, if not firewood. Although coal is not widely used, coal-powered power plants are becoming increasingly popular.