Since the industrial revolution began 200 years ago, Africa has been the major victim of greenhouse gas emission and Air pollution. Although, the continent has contributed a small if not none to the whole global warming crisis, we haven?t seen a significant move from the developed world to help African nations deal with a problem they did not create.  Recently, at COP 21, World leaders have pledged a significant amount of finance donation to struggling developing nations to try and help them deal with global warming and its inevitable horrific consequence. But throwing a chunk of money at poor nations and expect things to get better is only an illusion. From lack of good governance to extreme corruption, there are a number of factors that hinder donations to be used for the right proposes. The best alternative to mere financial donations is carbon trade. There are a number of reasons for why Africa can and should benefit from carbon trade. Here are the 5 most important reasons I came up with which I believe can change the way rich nations help developing countries in fighting greenhouse gas emission.

1.        MORAL OBLIGATION – It is obvious that throughout history, developing nations in general and Africa in particular have contributed a little if not none greenhouse gas emission to the current global warming crisis. I believe the fact that developing nations in Africa have become the major victims of greenhouse gas emission should place an immense moral responsibility on the shoulders of the developed world to help the struggling nations.  This moral responsibility is a historic test for western nations that will determine their commitment not only to environmental protection, but also to the overall wellbeing of the human race.

2.       ECONOMICAL REASONS- Low scale farmers make up the largest population in most African nations.  These farmers have been the most vulnerable when it comes to the effects of greenhouse gas emissions.  Carbon trade is the best alternative in helping low-scale farmers fight global warming. Through carbon trade the major economical beneficiaries are these low-scale farmers. This will in return gives the farmers not only to develop a spirit of environmentalism, but also a bright future in securing sustainable development.

3.       EFFICIENCY  IN REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS- Carbon trade is the most efficient way to fight global warming. Untapped forests and other natural resources found in Africa can be a major mitigation factors for successful implementation of carbon trade agreement between industrialized nations and African nations. Successful carbon trade agreement can ignite a revolution in reforestation and building back lost Eco-systems. By doing so, nations can foresee an efficient reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

4.       SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT- Carbon trade and carbon tax not only ensures a better future in reducing greenhouse gas effects, but it also plays a vital role in sustaining development across the board. Under developed African nations have a big problem when it comes to sustaining environmental and economic development. Through the implementation of carbon trade and carbon tax, poor nations will have the opportunity to formulate, plan and execute Eco-friendly policies in order to maximize their GDP and secure sustainable development. 

As the 16^th Eco-generation ambassador to Ethiopia, creating a social awareness on carbon trade, carbon tax and on the economic and environmental benefits that come with it will be my major theme in the campaigns and seminars I will be leading in the coming months.  Low-scale farmers, youth organizations and other stakeholders will be major targets during the campaign session. By promoting creating awareness on Carbon trade we will create a better future!