From deforestation, pollution, loss of biodiversity, climate change, over-exploitation of natural resources to desertification, the world is facing overwhelming environmental challenges that when not tackled head-on would bring man closer to his precipice. In Africa, these challenges are evidently more compounded. This can be attributed to social, economic and political factors such as illiteracy, unemployment, poverty, poor leadership, political instability and environmental-illiterate citizens.

As a result, there is a general consensus that these challenges cannot be adequately tackled by scientific knowledge and technological developments alone. Solving these challenges must involve making serious political decisions, choices & compromises that are at times not easy. This is where Environmental Politics and Governance come in.

Environmental politics generally looks at the ways in which a society tries to deal with the political decisions and sound policies that influence the environment in all spheres. This Virtual Conference, Environment and Politics in Africa, is intended to explore the connection between environmental protection, climate change, political leadership, governance and policymaking in Africa.

This conference will analyze (citing relevant examples from our regions) instances where political leaders have made or continue to make poor environmental decisions as well as the implications or likely costs. The discussants will also highlight the best practices as well as share thoughts on what should be done for Africa to be a shining beacon in so far as environmental protection and natural resources management are concerned. In this first series, we will engage speakers from nine countries: Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Namibia and Zambia to bring their peculiar experiences to fore and help chart sustainable solutions for the continent.

Specific Objectives:

• Discuss (with relevant examples) instances where political leaders have made or continue to make poor environmental decisions in their regions
• Highlight the implications (through cases) or likely costs of poor environmental decision making
• Highlight the best practices and policies that have yielded fruits in their various countries
• Share ideas and thoughts on what should be done for Africa to be a shining beacon in so far as environmental protection and natural resources management is concerned.