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World leaders have been called to deliver ambitious climate finance to African nations bearing the brunt of the climate crisis.
African Climate Champions attending COP29 in Baku Azerbaijan have called for immediate implementation of a Climate Damages Tax on polluters to fund loss and damage reparation because developing countries dwarfed by the fossil fuel industry’s profits and subsidies, African communities have contributed least to the crisis
According to Murtala Touray, the Program Director at Greenpeace Africa, Africa stands at a critical crossroads.
Murtala says establishing an ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) is crucial for scaling up climate finance to developing countries, particularly in Africa to tackle the scale of the prevailing crisis.
“As world leaders discuss, they should bear in mind the devastating droughts in the Horn of Africa and catastrophic flooding in West and Southern Africa that continue to threaten lives, livelihoods, and food security across the continent. Without a scaled-up climate finance that is fit for purpose, most African countries will be unable to deliver on their NDCs.” He says.
While the African continent contributes the least to global emissions, Africa suffers the most severe consequences.
“The time has come for wealthy nations and fossil fuel companies to pay their fair share. We demand the implementation of a Climate Damages Tax on fossil fuel extraction to ensure climate justice for marginalized African communities.” Murtala added.
Research shows climate change could cost African economies 15% of GDP by 2030.
At the same time, Africa has 40% of global solar potential but receives only 2% of renewable energy investment, while renewable energy projects create 3-5 times more jobs than fossil fuel projects.
It stands to reason that more investments should go into the renewable energy sector in Africa.
“African nations possess immense potential to lead the global transition to renewable energy, but this potential is undermined by continued fossil fuel exploitation and inadequate climate finances. The implementation of the COP29 agreement must deliver concrete plans aligned with the 1.5°C goal, specifically on a new collective quantified goal on finance. We refuse to let COP29 become another platform for empty promises, promoting false solutions and greenwashing.” Fred Njehu, Pan-African Political Strategist at Greenpeace Africa, states.
Top of the key demands by the Climate Champions at COP29 include:
The Implementation of a Damages Tax on fossil fuel companies to fund loss and damage reparation, the significant increase in public climate finance through the NCQG, prioritizing African nations’ adaptation and mitigation needs.
They are also demanding Concrete commitments for a rapid and just transition away from fossil fuels and Strong safeguards against false solutions such as carbon offsets that threaten Africa’s carbon-dense ecosystems
Recognition and elevation of African voices, including youth, Indigenous communities, and women in addressing the climate crisis are also key to the top demands.
Prior to the opening of COP29 today, through the Voices for Just Climate Action project, the Young Women Christian Association- Kenya (YWCA) hosted a Pre-COP 29 consultative and dialogue workshop where this special category of people set it clear that inclusive outcomes need an inclusive process for all.
YWCA has been focused on educating and informing the youths, women, and indigenous communities about their role through partnerships and collaborations, community learning and adaptability, and advancing their call for change.