Dear ReWilder,
The global conversation has intensified around the negative impacts of fossil fuel exploration. It’s been obvious for most of the 21st century that fossil fuels have been negatively impacting our climate and communities alike. Africa’s voice against fossil fuel exploration on the continent needs to get louder. The consequences of fossil fuel exploration are disproportionately carried by Africa’s most vulnerable communities. It's a known fact that these communities are already grappling with economic challenges and bear the heaviest burden of environmental degradation.
All things considered the pressing question becomes: How does Africa rise from the adversity of fossil fuels? Our belief is that of collective action. Unifying our efforts and channelling them into a common direction to achieve the change we desire. The politics that govern fossil fuel exploration and extraction on the African continent speak to imperialism and a lingering sense of neo-colonialism. Tendrils of power and echoes of oppression and exploitation that too many local communities on the African continent have borne the brunt of for too long. The movement sparking a new era of change is already here. People have had enough.
We had the opportunity this year to tell five incredible stories that formed the heart of a feature length documentary for Don’t Gas Africa. From Senegal, Nigeria, and Kenya, to Cameroon and Uganda, five characters tell stories of local communities affected by fossil fuel extraction and climate change, advocating against fossil fuel extraction in their communities. The documentary positions itself not merely as an observer but as a narrative woven from the fabric of the affected communities, offering a humanising perspective on the socio-economic and environmental upheavals they face. We were so incredibly honoured to be part of telling these stories of five exceptional activists. We invite you to join us in championing their stories. Watch the Don’t Gas Africa documentary Shifting Power below.
Don’t Gas Africa is a campaign led by African civil society to ensure Africa is not locked into fossil gas production. The campaign speaks to a just transition for the African continent and highlights how bypassing fossil fuels and leapfrogging to renewable energy is the key to championing development while looking after the local ecosystems and communities. Don’t Gas Africa is an opportunity for all of us to get involved - visit Don't Gas Africa.org and sign the letter to AU and EU expressing the need for policy changes to protect Africa. The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is calling for African leaders to join together, listen to the people, and commit firmly to leaving fossil fuels in the ground.
It is not a far flung fantasy that governments and world leaders often prioritise financial interests over the stability and well-being of both the climate and the people of Africa. The threats posed by climate change are undeniable and governments continue to make decisions solely based on political agendas and economic gains. This approach is outdated and it pushes environmental concerns to the background. It’s unwise prioritisation and it only exacerbates the vulnerability of African nations. Our most affected communities are those who lack the resources to adapt and recover from environmental disasters.
We see inklings of a broader global movement, that a fire has been lit, and we can only hope that this inspires strong leaders to make bold decisions. At COP28 that happened over the last 2 weeks in Dubai, the first global stocktake of climate action under the Paris Agreement was conducted, a decision calling for accelerated short-term action and an orderly transition away from fossil fuels towards climate-neutral energy systems was adopted – the first-ever COP decision to address fossil fuels. It is important that as a global community of environmentalists, activists, doers, conservationists, and nature-lovers; that we celebrate these wins.
It is paramount not to lose sight of the collective goal of dreaming and designing a resilient Africa together. There is hope in the strength of communities, and we continue to be so inspired by their resilience, collective action and motivation; but we look forward to a time when the global community is acting alongside them. For too long it has been local communities and indigenous people harking the cry of climate change, and the time has come for the world to listen.. A great place to start would be identifying leaders within our communities who are change agents and become instrumental in amplifying their collective voice.
A special thank you to:
Ireen Twongirwe
Fatoumata Kine Niang Mbodji
Micheal Terungwa David
Raya Famau Ahmed
Ewi Stephanie Lamma
Producing this film has been an enriching experience of learning, inspiration, teamwork, and adaptability. A special project for us, so much so that the production team did some journaling to share their experiences.
The production team consisted of:
Director: Alessandra Squarzon
Director of photography: Tim Van Vuuren
Cinematographers: Megan May Nelson, Jigar Ganatra, and Frank Papushka
Motion Graphics: Matthew Reeler
Editor: Alessandra Squarzon
When facing complex challenges like the impact of fossil fuels in Africa, the imperative of collective action cannot be overstated. The interconnected nature of environmental issues demands a united effort, exceeding borders and background. Despite the current circumstances, it’s important to recognise the potential for change and positive impact when individuals and communities join forces.
News From ReWild:
Ben is back from Abu Dhabi! We are so thrilled to have him back and hear all about his experience out there.
Megan and Justin are heading into their second week of production in Tanzania. They are working magic over there.
Ale is flying out to Italy today for the holiday. We wish you a safe trip and hope you enjoy Europe during the festive season.
Wild Regards,
Team ReWild Africa