When I saw China in Ethiopia…

Reflecting on my brief time in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, inspired me to think deeper about Sino-African relations. Chinese stakeholders do have an environmental impact in Africa, and their sustainability practices should be questioned. There is a need for more answers to questions about Chinese-backed development projects and the climate-conscious policies needed on the continent in light of the environmental disaster in Zambia.

When the average individual imagines what the academic experiences of an

International Affairs (IA) student are, I am pretty sure international travel and study are

common themes that will come to mind. Those are the experiences I would fantasize about

upon entering university. During my senior year of my undergraduate career, I began to shift

my focus from global policy to an intense focus on post-colonial issues impacting Africa as a

whole. The summer before writing my thesis, I made a bold decision to take a 3-week solo trip

to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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The decision came about simply because I was curious about life

outside of the United States, and I had no academic opportunities to take a trip to Africa. I think it is significant to mention that leaving Ethiopia in August of 2013 would be my first time leaving the United States. I took matters into my own hands because I needed to put an illustration of what I had been studying academically. I chose Ethiopia at random, to be honest.

For me, it was a step somewhere rather than waiting for my school’s program to list a study abroad opportunity on the continent. Of course, as a student of IA, I prepped for my trip by doing thorough research on the country’s brief history, languages spoken, ethnic groups, government structure, and the overall geopolitical climate of the East African region. I arrived at Bole International Airport at 9 PM local time and was in complete awe of the landscape and calmness that came over me. I arrived with no expectations and was open to all that was to come.

Chinese economy and their currency in the African continent. (Adobe Stock)

Throughout my trip, I would take many walks around smaller neighborhoods throughout

Addis. I would often glance over at construction sites and see Chinese construction workers

and managers on site. At first glance, there was not much thought. After two weeks, I had many questions about the presence of Chinese-backed construction in Ethiopia. I was well aware that Chinese presence on the African continent was neither new nor a myth. I would return home in September of 2013 to successfully defend my thesis that Sino-African relations are a win-win situation. I would later come to question that theory a lot deeper, the more I began to see the effects of climate change on the most vulnerable throughout the continent. I began to consider whether further development and urbanization would even be sustainable, and if foreign investors were funding sustainability first.

Two years later, I often find myself reflecting on the sights, essence, people, food, and

peace I experienced during my visit to Ethiopia. During graduate school, my travel experiences, as did my interest in foreign investment on the continent and how it relates to climate change, began to unfold. During my late-night Instagram scrolls, I noticed NGO’s, global political leaders, and other non-profit organizations that I follow post about the 2015 Paris Agreement and why, more than ever, climate consciousness should be at the forefront of all nations when discussing the future of mankind.

The Paris Agreement 2015, designed to combat global warming. (Adobe Stock)

The Paris Agreement took place in 2016 when 195 countries agreed to reduce their emissions collectively. As the world turned its attention to the 2015 Paris Agreement to combat climate change, I wondered, how will this help the most vulnerable nations adapt, and whether nations that contribute the most to environmental degradation will honor this commitment?

Planet Earth from Space People's Republic of China highlighted. (Adobe Stock)

Beijing’s pledge to honor the 2015 Paris Agreement stood out most because it is well

documented that China is one of the top emitters of greenhouse gas emissions. As China’s

economic power and global financing strategy unfold via the Belt and Road Initiative, one

cannot overlook the hazardous air, soil, pollution, and water scarcity challenges Chinese

populations are up against. Suppose Xi’s party cannot curb the devastating effects of China’s environmental crisis while simultaneously silencing public outcry from citizens and NGOs. How can African leaders trust the Chinese business-backed projects and diplomacy on the continent to be carried out with climate adaptability at the forefront? This will be an important issue to examine further in the context of the recent Chinese Mining disaster in Zambia.

A massive acid spill from a Chinese-run copper mine has essentially made the Kafue River toxic and a danger to the well-being of locals and wildlife inhabitants. Chinese banks and their investment partners, with the support of Chinese diplomacy, Beijing's commitment to upholding the 2015 Paris Agreement is particularly significant, given that China is among the world's top emitters of greenhouse gases. As China's economic power expands through the Belt and Road Initiative, it is imperative to confront the pressing challenges faced by its citizens, including hazardous air pollution, soil degradation, and water scarcity. Suppose Xi's government cannot effectively address the devastating consequences of China's environmental crisis while continuing to stifle public dissent from citizens and NGOs. In that case, African leaders have every reason to question the reliability of Chinese-backed business projects and diplomatic efforts on the continent regarding climate adaptability.

This issue demands urgent attention, especially in light of the recent disaster involving a

Chinese-operated copper mine in Zambia. The massive acid spill from this mine has rendered the Kafue River toxic, threatening the health of local communities and wildlife alike. Chinese banks and their investment partners, backed by Chinese diplomacy, must adopt a proactive stance and take responsibility in addressing critical issues like environmental justice. Foreign investors and Chinese diplomats should not have a hands-off approach when handling issues such as environmental justice.

Climate change can alter delicate balances of various ecosystems. (Adobe Stock)

In support of African governments and efforts to adapt to the harsh consequences of

climate change, it will ultimately be left to individual leaders with regional support to demand

policies and funding related to climate change before investors and Western state actors come to the table with a trade or foreign direct investment opportunity. During my upcoming journey back to the continent (I promise I will reveal details soon!) I will observe what technological and science-based solutions and projects are taking place locally to meet the demands of urbanization and growing economies, and consider them climate-friendly. Other observations I will be pondering most about will be what types of businesses are investing in sustainable agriculture practices, conserving precious resources such as water, and adapting to technology that addresses climate change. Until next time, Africa!