Carbon Markets and Africa: A Quick Fact Sheet for Journalists

African Carbon Asset Development (ACAD)

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Abstract: Movements toward greening the global economy and decoupling resource use from economic growth present new opportunities for African economies. Countries, companies and communities across the globe are looking to put in place the policies needed to catalyze a transition to a Green Economyâ??an economy that can realize development for all but in a way that keeps humanityâ??s footprint within planetary boundaries while delivering significant social benefits from eradicating poverty to generating decent jobs. As the continent arguably most affected by climate change, it is heartening to see that there is an opportunity, by tapping into Africaâ??s abundant natural or renewable sources for more sustainable energy, to derive economic and developmental benefit from the global drivers behind it. By placing a market value on activities that can reduce GHG emissions, the carbon market is increasingly being used as a tool to finance this transformation.