With the vast majority of its population still energy poor, Africa is uniquely placed to leapfrog fossil fuel dependence and exploit its abundant natural resources in the form of sunlight, hydropower and wind. WWF and REEEP co-hosted a side event at the South African International Renewable Energy Conference (SAIREC) in Cape Town to discuss sustainable ways forward for Africa to bring modern energy to its people while minimizing the impacts on climate and environment.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presented on Sunday (2 November) in Copenhagen its Assessment Synthesis Report. The conclusions of the report result from the week-long discussion between scientists and governments involved. According to the authors, while the world is on a perilous path toward irreversibly damaging the global environment, we can still avoid the most serious impacts through immediate action. Adapting to climate change is important but it is mitigation that is central to achieve sustainable actions.

There is no silver bullet for tackling climate change, US scientists say. The only option is for every part of society to accept the need to adapt to it.