Hussein Solomon
Hussein Solomon, Senior Professor in the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa and co-author of “African Security in the Anthropocene,” depicts how humans have created more dangerous situations through the use of fossil fuels that are accelerating climate change, squabbling over natural resources, hunger and terrorism. Africa, which is the second largest continent with a 1.4 billion population, is primarily rural and does not have the technology and financial wherewithal to combat these problems. Recently, the African Climate Summit, recommended removal of subsidies for fossil fuels, which would make clean energy sources much more competitive. Although 80% of agriculture is by subsistence farmers, funding, global capital and partnerships are required to make the transition. There is hope for “cautious optimism” since some regions are using drought resistant crops and “conflict smart” agriculture. As always, women play a critical role in confronting these problems.
