Southern scientists advocate for locally-led climate models to address Africa's polycrisis
Original framing: “Scientists challenge ‘business as usual’, calling for Southern-led climate scenarios to tackle the crisis” — bing news
The current climate crisis in Africa is deeply rooted in the legacy of colonial resource extraction and land degradation. Historical patterns of environmental exploitation continue to shape contemporary vulnerabilities, yet these connections are rarely acknowledged in mainstream climate discourse.
Southern-led climate scenarios represent a systemic shift in how climate action is conceptualized and implemented in Africa.
By integrating Indigenous knowledge, historical context, and participatory governance, these models offer a more holistic and equitable approach to climate resilience. The call for Southern leadership challenges the epistemic dominance of Western climate science and highlights the need for decolonized research practices. This approach not only enhances the accuracy and relevance of climate models but also empowers local communities to take ownership of their environmental futures. Through collaborative, culturally grounded strategies, Africa can lead the way in reimagining climate action as a deeply relational and justice-oriented process.