The Entrepreneurship & Innovation Sector represents the sector of the West African economy that engages in the production of goods and services, management, marketing and introduction of new and, or improved products and methods in industries. This sector produces virtually everything people use, ranging from food production and processing to paper making. These activities, however, leave large carbon footprint prints through its emission of carbon and other greenhouse gasses in its operation, as most industries within the sector burn fossil fuel. In view of the negative environmental implication of the aforementioned sector, the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Sector is committed to achieving environmental sustainability across the West African region through leadership, development, and research.
Products and Services
The entrepreneurship and innovation sector offers a wide range of products and services, including;
- Technology and software solutions
- E-commerce and online marketplaces
- Creative and design services
- Education and training
- Food and beverage innovations
This sector is committed to achieving environmental sustainability across the West African region through leadership, development and research.
Negatives Environmental Impacts
Resource Use: Printing educational materials can lead to deforestation and paper waste, thus, leading to the depletion of natural carbon sinks and emission of carbons stored in the trees. Again, the production of petrochemical products results in the discharge of synthetic fluorinated gasses. These gasses go into the atmosphere and trap the heat moving from the Earth's surface into space, causing a greenhouse effect with its resultant environmental hazards.
Energy Consumption:
Running training programs and workshops requires significant energy use, often relying on non-renewable sources.
Travel Emissions:
Travel for seminars, conferences, and community outreach contributes to carbon and other greenhouse gasses, thereby, accelerating global warming and its environmental cataclysms.
Source: LinkedIn
Positive Environmental Impacts
In order to exponentially reduce its net carbon emission, the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Sector GSAG adopts the following sustainability practices:
Use of Digital Materials:
There has been a shift towards using digital platforms for educational materials and training resources, reducing paper usage which, by implication, drastically reduced the GSAG's contribution to deforestation.
Renewable Energy:
The GSAG'S incorporation of renewable energy sources (e.gsolar panels) in their facilities to power operations reduces its carbon emission.
Remote Programs:
The GSAG attempts to implement remote training and virtual workshops to efficiently reduce travel-related carbon emissions.
Source: Dreamstime
Solutions to Addressing the Environmental and Climate Crises in West Africa
1. Waste Management: Implementing efficient waste collection, recycling and upcycling programs, and encouraging paperless operations.
2. Energy Efficiency: Upgrading to energy efficient appliances and lighting in offices and training centers.
3. Partnerships: Supporting and collaborating with other entrepreneurs, researchers and environmental experts to develop solutions that protect and restore ecosystems, preserve biodiversity and implement sustainable technologies.
4. Green Procurement: Promoting the use of energy-efficient solutions, sourcing sustainable materials and eco-friendly products for all operations.
In-Situ Leadership
The leaders and head of the GSAG can be equipped through the following ways:
1. Training Programs: Develop specialized sustainability training programs for leaders in the sector.
2. Awareness Campaigns: Conduct regular workshops and seminars on the latest sustainability practices and technologies.
3. Sustainability Metrics: Implement sustainability metrics and reporting to track and improve environmental performance.
Source: Futurelearn
Ex-Situ Leadership
The sector can serve as a model for other sectors through the following ways:
- Case Studies: Publish case studies highlighting successful sustainability initiatives within the GSAG.
- Best Practices: Share best practices and successful strategies with other sectors to inspire widespread adoption.
- Use of Artificial Carbon Sinks: The sector represented by our GSAG uses artificial carbon sinks to collect a considerable amount of greenhouse gasses it emits. It influences other sectors to do the same.
- Collaborative Forums: Host fora and conferences to bring together leaders from various sectors to discuss and promote sustainability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, addressing environmental and climate crises in West Africa requires a multifaceted approach that incorporates local knowledge, international collaboration, and innovative solutions. By prioritizing these strategies and working together across borders, West Africa can build a more resilient future in the face of environmental and climate challenges.
References
IEA (2022). Renewable Energy Market Analysis: Developing Countries. International Energy Agency.
UNEP (2022). Climate Change in West Africa. United Nations Environment Programme.
World Bank (2020). Groundswell: Preparing for Internal Climate Migration. World Bank Groundswell Report.
— Author: Entrepreneurship & Innovation Sector GSAG
GSAG Members
Baliqeez Motunrayo ADEBISI (GSAM)
Rofiat POPOOLA
Sekinat ALABI
Chukwubuike Matthew INNOCENT
Olabisi OGUNYOMI
Tamarudoubra AGBIKI
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