The intersection of political will and environmental challenges remains a central concern in global discourse. But what most people, including myself, agree with is that addressing environmental issues requires a concerted effort from governments, policymakers, businesses, and civil society. The determination and commitment of leaders to prioritize and implement policies that safeguard the planet for future generations lies at the heart of effective environmental action.
So, what is political will? It is the willingness of governments and policymakers to allocate resources, enact legislation, and implement policies aimed at addressing pressing societal issues. In the context of environmental challenges, political will encompasses a range of actions, from setting ambitious emissions reduction targets to investing in renewable energy, conservation efforts, and sustainable development initiatives. Strong political will is essential for overcoming inertia, overcoming vested interests, and mobilizing collective action to tackle environmental crises effectively.
In Europe, countries like Sweden and Denmark have demonstrated strong commitments to renewable energy and sustainable development, leading to substantial reductions in carbon emissions and investments in clean technologies.
Similarly, initiatives such as the European Green Deal aim to transform the European Union into a climate-neutral continent by 2050, reflecting political leaders’ determination to address climate change comprehensively.
In Africa, Rwanda has made remarkable progress in environmental conservation and sustainability despite facing significant challenges. Through initiatives such as the Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy, Rwanda has prioritized reforestation, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture, demonstrating political will to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development. However, we want to see the Rwanda-kind of effort across Africa as many governments still prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability.
It is not difficult to recognise a lack of political will to solve environmental challenges. Most times, it cannot be measured by how long the problem has lasted because some environmental problem takes time to eliminate. For instance, a water body polluted by oil spill may take years to reclaim but in those years of reclamation effort, consistent effort and will to eliminate the problem must be evident. So at least taking baby steps towards eliminating the challenge is a sign of political wiliness. The most common evidence of political will to tackle environmental problems is resource allocation.
The allocation of resources reflects a government’s commitment to environmental protection. European nations have dedicated substantial funding towards green technologies, sustainable infrastructure, and conservation projects.
For instance, Norway’s Sovereign Wealth Fund invests in environmentally responsible companies globally. In contrast, many African countries often rely on international aid for environmental initiatives, leading to fragmented and unsustainable efforts. But we cannot continue to rely on foreign aid to solve these issues. In fact, we have refused to wean ourselves of such aid because we lack the political will. Even the aid is sometimes looted along the way. If you check the annual national budget of most African countries, there is little or no investment in environmental initiatives. No foreign aid will ever solve the pressing issues in Africa.
Another evidence is the lack of effective implementation and enforcement of environmental policies. European countries have established robust institutions and stringent regulations to monitor and enforce environmental standards. For example, the European Union’s emissions trading system imposes penalties on industries exceeding carbon emissions limits.
In contrast, weak governance structures and corruption undermine environmental enforcement in many African countries, leading to rampant deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction. I have written about illegal mining, plastic pollution, and the like in Nigeria in my previous columns. Many of these issues can disappear tomorrow if there’s a political will. As the popular saying goes, when there’s a will, there’s a way.
The government must also provide an enabling environment for public participation and civil societies to thrive. Public engagement and civil society play crucial roles in holding governments accountable for environmental stewardship. In Europe, active citizenry and environmental NGOs exert pressure on policymakers, influencing decision-making and shaping public discourse.
For instance, movements like the Extinction Rebellion have catalyzed climate action and policy reforms. In Africa and Nigeria where I come from, civil societies are still facing challenges such as repression from government and lack of resources, but thankfully, grassroots initiatives have emerged to address local environmental concerns and advocate for change.
Despite its importance, political will faces numerous barriers that hinder effective environmental action. These barriers include vested interests, economic considerations, short-term political priorities, lack of public awareness, and institutional inertia.
Additionally, political polarization, ideological differences, and competing priorities can impede consensus-building and hinder progress on environmental issues. To overcome barriers to political will and address environmental challenges effectively, several strategies are essential.
Educating the public about the urgency and importance of environmental issues can mobilize public support and pressure governments to act. Also, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including businesses, NGOs, academia, and grassroots organizations, can build momentum for environmental action and overcome resistance to change. We must also incorporate environmental considerations into policymaking. Cost-benefit analyses and regulatory frameworks can ensure that environmental concerns are given due consideration.
Furthermore, supporting research and development in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental technologies can spur innovation and create economic opportunities while addressing environmental challenges. Strengthening international cooperation through international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity, which provides frameworks for collective action and mutual support.
The nexus between political will and addressing environmental challenges is complex and multifaceted. While Europe showcases examples of strong political commitment and effective environmental policies, Africa grapples with governance issues and resource constraints.
However, the environmental situation in both regions highlight the pivotal role of political leadership, institutional capacity, public engagement, and international cooperation in achieving environmental sustainability. Moving forward, fostering political will and forging partnerships between governments, civil society, and the private sector are imperative for mitigating environmental degradation and securing a sustainable future for all.
Olamide is a communications professional currently based in London, United Kingdom. He can be reached across social media platforms @olamidefrancis and via francisolamide1@gmail.com