Abstract

This paper examined the challenges of climate change and prospects of harnessing opportunities from the challenges to advance the socioeconomic development and sustainability of Sub-Saharan African countries. The methodology of the study is exploratory, involving a comprehensive survey and review of conceptual and empirical literature on the nature and manifestations of climate, environment and social changes and the dynamic relationships between climate change, the environment and social change. From the information gathered on how climate change impacts on the environment and how environmental changes impact on the climate and how both changes collectively impact on social change and the economy, the authors identified potential opportunities that can be harnessed to advance the economy of Sub Sahara Africa. The exploratory literature review revealed  that though the interdependent cause and effects of the complex interwoven relationships between man, climate and environment have negative effects on the socio economy, scientists, sociologists, economists, state and non-state actors and their institutions should not remain passive and should not only try to counter or mitigate the negative effects but should as well explore and harness potential opportunities such as investment on cost effective renewable energy projects, development of carbon finance markets for sale of carbon credits through massive agricultural plantations, clusters of energy efficient industrial SMEs, developing technology capable of reducing pollution and converting waste to wealth projects.

Key Words: Climate change, Environment, Social change, Economy, Sub-Sahara Africa