A recent knowledge assessment conducted by the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) has unveiled a critical gap in climate intervention awareness among Africa’s youth. Alarmingly, a significant portion of young people—including youth advocates, professionals, and academics—lack an understanding of two key areas: Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and Solar Radiation Modification (SRM). This knowledge deficit, in the context of an escalating climate crisis, poses a dual challenge: Africa’s future leaders are underinformed about vital mitigation strategies, but it also presents an unprecedented opportunity for capacity building.

In response, GAYO has pioneered Africa’s first comprehensive short course on CDR and SRM. This transformative initiative aims to democratize knowledge, bridging the gap between the Global North and South, and placing African voices at the heart of the global climate discourse.

The urgency of climate action demands that diverse strategies be explored alongside emissions reduction efforts. Carbon Dioxide Removal focuses on extracting greenhouse gases, particularly CO2, from the atmosphere and securely storing them. Promising techniques such as afforestation and direct air capture (DAC) are already in development, yet they require substantial research to ensure scalability, affordability, and long-term sustainability. Solar Radiation Modification, on the other hand, seeks to alter Earth’s radiative balance by reflecting solar energy back into space. While potentially impactful, SRM raises profound ethical concerns, alongside geopolitical and environmental risks.

GAYO’s Climate Interventions program addresses these complexities directly. Tailored for undergraduate and graduate students in both physical and social sciences, the course offers an in-depth exploration of CDR and SRM technologies. Participants gain critical insights into the current state of these technologies, the challenges they pose, and the research gaps that need to be addressed.

To deliver world-class education, GAYO has formed strategic partnerships with leading academic institutions across Africa. The University of Ghana, University of Energy and Natural Resources, University of Environment and Sustainable Development (Ghana), Africa Nazarene University (Kenya), and Durban University of Technology (South Africa) have all lent their expertise to this program. This pan-African collaboration not only enhances the course’s academic rigor but also ensures it is highly relevant to Africa’s unique context.

The impact of this initiative has been profound. In just a few weeks, over 255 young people across Ghana and Kenya have been equipped with crucial knowledge about climate interventions. Beyond the classroom, GAYO has cultivated a dynamic community of young leaders, passionate about climate research, policy, and governance. This growing network is set to play an instrumental role in shaping Africa’s climate future.

A particularly significant outcome of the program has been the amplification of young African voices within the global climate intervention discourse. Program participants are actively sharing their perspectives and research with stakeholders at all levels—local, national, and international. This engagement enriches the global conversation on CDR and SRM, as Africa’s youth challenge prevailing narratives and offer fresh, locally informed insights.

Additionally, the program has sparked a surge in youth-led publications on climate interventions. These articles not only reflect the depth of understanding fostered by the course but also contribute valuable African perspectives to the international body of knowledge on CDR and SRM. By encouraging a culture of research and writing, GAYO is helping cultivate a new generation of African climate experts, poised to influence policy and drive innovation.

More than an educational initiative, GAYO’s Climate Interventions program is a catalyst for systemic change. By equipping young Africans with the knowledge and tools to critically engage with CDR and SRM technologies, GAYO ensures that African nations will not merely be passive recipients of global climate policies but active contributors and decision-makers.

In the face of mounting global climate challenges, it is vital that African youth assume leadership roles in crafting solutions. GAYO’s initiative represents a significant step towards securing Africa’s place in the international climate arena. By fostering informed and engaged youth, the program is ensuring that African perspectives are not only heard but also respected and integrated into global climate policy-making.

The success of this program highlights the pivotal role that education plays in addressing the climate crisis. It demonstrates that, when given the necessary resources and support, Africa’s youth are both eager and capable of tackling the complexities of climate science. As this community of climate interventionists grows, its impact will ripple across the continent, sparking further engagement and innovation in climate solutions.

GAYO’s Climate Interventions program is laying the foundation for a future where African nations lead the development and implementation of climate strategies. By closing the knowledge gap and empowering the next generation, GAYO is not only preparing Africa to confront the climate challenges ahead but is positioning the continent to drive the global transition towards a sustainable and equitable future.

As the world confronts the urgent need for climate action, initiatives like GAYO’s offer a beacon of hope, exemplifying how youth empowerment in climate science and policy can reshape the future. While the journey has just begun, the ripple effects of this program promise to extend far beyond its initial participants, helping to redefine climate interventions in Africa and across the globe.