By Morris Makabe and Jeremiah Rogito
Africa is in a critical position in the ongoing biggest climate meeting, the United Nations Conference of Parties.
The conference, which began on Monday, November 11, in Baku, Azerbaijan, has attracted much global interest.
Still, none is more significant than whether Africa’s concerns will be addressed.
For a continent whose climate-related challenges continue to increase daily, orchestrated by worsening weather patterns, prolonged droughts, floods and rising sea levels, there is an urgent need to establish a lasting solution and garner the support of all stakeholders.
The ripple effect of these impacts has been food insecurity, malnutrition, loss of biodiversity and increased conflicts in African countries, further worsening poverty levels and disrupting livelihoods.
The question of whether there is hope for Africa at COP 29 is complex.
For decades, Africa has continuously called for climate justice to help address these challenges that have kept in a cycle of borrowing.
A lot should be done for a continent whose contribution to greenhouse gases that cause climate change is only four per cent, yet it is the most vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.
This is why the new collective quantified goal is much needed to provide climate nance for the continent.
In the past, Africa has initiated several strategies to overcome the climate change crisis.
Several efforts have been put in place, from working with various stakeholders to develop and implement adaptive strategies to implementing mitigation frameworks.
These efforts have cushioned communities from the full impact of these climate-related issues.
For instance, many countries have developed drought-resistant agricultural practices and agrifood systems in partnership with local governments and international organisations.
They have also established Early Warning and Early Action protocols that have guided mitigation efforts.
All these have minimised climate-related events and ensured that communities continue to function amidst the challenges.
However, there is more that needs to be done.
We are far from winning the climate change war, necessitating continued support and input for all stakeholders, especially for African countries.
One such help is ensuring the availability of climate nance for enhanced adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Besides this, moving away from pledges to accountability is critical, especially in developed countries.
For instance, the $100 billion annual pledge made over a decade ago has yet to be effectively met, undermining the concept of shared responsibility.
To avoid adding to the debt burdens that the continent already carries, let the focus of climate nance change be on grants and funds.
The conference’s focus should be on establishing Africa’s new proposed $1.3 trillion annual climate nance target.
In addition, the $45 trillion climate- related debt that Africa has attracted over time needs to be cancelled.
Further, strategies for phasing out fossil fuels must be developed and strictly adhered to.
Lastly, there must be assurance that these conferences are not just yearly meetings.
Establishing, monitoring and evaluation strategies is necessary to properly assess the achievements of COP meetings to establish a global approach to addressing climate change.
Makabe is a communications specialist
Rogito is a climate change and agrifood specialist
