- COP28, which will attract over 70,000 attendees will center on Africa’s specific problems and demands.
- Africa will be focusing on four main issues: getting developing nations to agree to climate finance, fixing the loss and damage fund, getting fossil fuels out of the system, and making sure everyone has a fair chance to transition to low-carbon future.
- At COP28, world leaders will talk about how to finance climate action by attracting private investment from emerging and developing economies.
From November 30–December 12, 2023, in Dubai, UAE, will be held the forthcoming COP28 meeting, which will mark the beginning of a new age in climate financing. The climate finance conference, which is projected to attract over 70,000 attendees—including heads of state, government officials, and other stakeholders—will center on Africa’s specific problems and demands.
The Priorities of Africa at COP28 on Climate Financing
At COP28, Africa will be focusing on four main issues: getting developing nations to agree to climate finance, fixing the loss and damage fund, getting fossil fuels out of the system, and making sure everyone has a fair chance to transition to low-carbon, resilient growth. Because of its disproportionate share of climate change’s negative effects, the continent is pushing for a fair distribution of funds to address both adaptation and emissions reduction. There must be an immediate influx of funding to assist African populations, as they are facing the most severe consequences of climate collapse.
Local leaders’ roles in climate action will also be a focal point of COP28, under the pillar of complete inclusivity. One such event is the COP28 Local Climate Action Summit, which was the initial official gathering of regional and municipal leaders to participate in the COP program. The purpose of this summit is to bring together leaders from local and national organizations to strengthen the position of local leadership in international climate talks by inviting mayors, governors, corporate executives, and non-governmental organization heads to share their views throughout the COP process.
Read also: COP28 countdown: new climate financing framework offers great optimism
Global stocktaking and Climate Finance Mobilization
The first-ever Global Stocktake, an exhaustive assessment of progress towards climate objectives as stipulated by the Paris Climate Agreement, will take place at COP28 and is a major event. The possibilities and difficulties of lowering carbon dioxide emissions and helping at-risk nations adapt to climate change will be explored in detail. Also, at COP28, world leaders will talk about how to finance climate action by attracting private investment from emerging and developing economies (EMDEs).
Climate finance is sure to spark heated arguments, and African negotiators will have a formidable challenge in securing this vital cash. The growing number of floods and droughts in Africa has intensified the urgency of the long-overdue commitment of wealthier nations to provide $100 billion in yearly aid. African nations are insisting that any aid they receive be in the form of open grants rather than secret arrangements or loans.
Another divisive issue is carbon trading, which has been exacerbated by the fact that Africa was severely underserved by the Clean Development Mechanism of Kyoto. In light of the recent growth of voluntary offset markets, it is critical to adopt strict regulations and high standards for the transfer of monies to African countries.
Organizational red tape makes it harder to get funding from sources like the Green Climate Fund. In order for the promised funds to reach the communities that really need them, it is essential to streamline these procedures.
Securing long-term financing for Africa’s climate issues is critical, regardless of global economic limitations. Our best wishes are with COP28, which we hope will go beyond empty promises to provide real solutions and substantial aid to the people who need it the most.
COP28: Africa’s Vision and the Global South’s Concerns
The pressing necessity for immediate climate action, worldwide collaboration, and inclusive solutions is at the heart of Africa’s goals for COP28. A new generation of African leaders is rising up to demand that everyone has access to healthy environments, abundant resources, and pure air in the future. For climate justice and economic progress, they want to use the continent’s abundant renewable energy sources and sustainable agriculture.
Furthermore, it is believed that the COP28 meetings would have open and honest conversations regarding the past and present responsibilities of emissions and climate funding. Africa is looking for ways to link climate and development goals with measures that make it easier to process raw materials on the continent. Loss and Damage Transitional Committee proposals and the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism are two more pressing issues that must be resolved during COP28.
Inadequate climate funding for Africa might have devastating effects. If African nations do not receive enough funding, they may not be able to meet their climate goals and adapt to the increasing impacts of climate change. Important areas such as agriculture, healthcare, and water resources may be negatively impacted by this deficit. Additionally, Africa’s development and susceptibility to climate change could be hindered by insufficient climate financing.
Read also: Africa’s youth charged to take lead in climate change conversation
Nationally Determined Contributions
Furthermore, inadequate climate financing impedes Africa’s capacity to tackle vital concerns including food insecurity, water shortages, and electricity access. Africa needs about $277 billion a year to put its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) into action and achieve its climate targets by 2030.
But for now, Africa only receives about US$30 billion in climate funding each year. Thus, Africa’s attempts to combat climate change, adjust to its effects, and attain its development objectives could be significantly impeded if the continent is unable to get the essential climate funding.
Global leaders, financiers, technologists, and grassroots activists will gather in Dubai for COP28, where the goal is to create a more effective, fair, and long-lasting response to climate change. For Africa, this summit holds immense significance as it presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to garner the backing and resources needed to tackle climate change and construct a future that can withstand its effects.
