President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria says African countries would need partnership and a cooperative approach for a new green economy.
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria
He said in a CNN Op-Ed article that the issues of security threats, dislocation of people, environmental atrophy and other collateral impacts of climate change were on his mind during the COP28 World Climate Action Summit in Dubai, UAE.
Tinubu said Nigeria has battled against major obstacles, including the COVID-19 pandemic, short-term challenges from economic reforms and the on-going unification of foreign exchange rates.
He said that the nation, however, remained steadfast in its resolve to reconstruct a better, cleaner economy in spite of these challenges.
“To uphold our legally binding commitment to a cleaner world, Nigeria launched the Nigerian Carbon Market Initiative at COP28 by joining the African Carbon Market Initiative,” he said.
Reiterating his stance on the inequity in the economic status quo, the president wrote that developing nations, in spite of contributing minimally to the problem, endure most of its impacts.
He said African countries simply cannot go at it alone, adding: “There must be a fair and cooperative approach. For too long, too many developed nations have hesitated to do what they should.
“Nigeria has taken significant steps and acted decisively in enacting the Climate Change Act and committing to net-zero emissions between 2050 and 2070.
“Africa’s most populous nation has successfully mobilised tens of thousands of youths nationwide to plant 250,000 trees annually to honour a pledge to plant 25 million trees by 2030 as we build our great green wall to fight back against encroaching desert across the northern region of our nation,” he said.
The president said Nigeria was aggressively pursuing the exploitation of the nation’s wind and solar resources, adding that transitioning from fossil fuels, which are Nigeria’s economic mainstay, will not be easy.
“While in Berlin last month at the G20 Summit, I announced Nigeria’s commitment to develop blue and green hydrogen capacity for international export. In conversations with Middle Eastern oil producers, I also solidified this commitment.
“We now seek to mobilise private capital with support from initiatives like the Climate Finance Leadership Initiative and the new US and EU global infrastructure programmes,” he said.
Tinubu also said that the European Union’s Global Gateway programme and the U.S. Government’s Build Back Better World initiative are potential resources Nigeria would explore in its efforts for cleaner energy.
“We are also looking to diversify our economy by engaging in friendly competition with Russia in the supply of energy to European markets.
‘’We can do it with natural gas and through green energy. This is why we are investing massively in both.
“Batteries for hire could help Nigerians ditch their generators. But the time for watching and waiting is over.
‘’Developed nations must honour commitments in the form of significant contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund and the $100 billion annual climate financing pledge,” the president said.
The House of Representatives Committee on Environment has pledged to address environmental degradation through legislation and policy review.
The Nigerian House of Representatives in session
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Julius Pondi (PDP-Delta), made the pledge at the inaugural meeting of the committee on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, in Abuja.
He said the environment had been subjected to very unkind conditions and that constituents were suffering the consequences.
According to the chairman of the committee, we need immediate transformational changes in every sector to ensure a change.
“Flood, pollution, erosion, deforestation, and all kinds of disaster is on the increase as the years go by and this calls for urgent steps to be taken to forestall further degradation.
“Globally, countries are making frantic efforts to salvage and remedy what is left in their environment and I am glad to say that Nigeria is following suit.
“On our part as a committee, we shall be looking into laws that need to be amended and policies that have outstayed their relevance and see how we can bring about positive changes and solution to the challenges staring at us.
“What we are going through is not peculiar to us but a global problem which requires all hands to be on deck to achieve results.
“We are privileged to be part of finding solution to these challenges and giving our constituents and the nation at large hope of a better tomorrow and we will do all we can to achieve results,” he said.
The lawmaker said the assignment of the committee remained s an enormous work that required team approach.
He said that all members of the committee, as stakeholders in the sector, must put in the best effort to the work at hand.
Pondi pledged that the committee would discharge its mandate with all sense of responsibility, guided by the Legislative Agenda of the 10th assembly.
In a related development, the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources Upstream has promised to ensure stability in the oil sector to create opportunity for all Nigerians.
The Chairman of the committee, Rep. Ado Doguwa (APC-Kano State) made this known at the inauguration of the committee on Tuesday.
He said the committee is charged with a mandate to meticulously review and amend the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to make it robust, forward-looking and to reflective of best practices.
The lawmaker said that though the challenges before the committee are indeed formidable, but they are not insurmountable.
“With a shared vision and a synergy of efforts, we can and will institute transformative changes that will resonate through the industry and across the fabric of our society.
“Let us march forward with determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Together, we are poised to redefine the narrative of our petroleum sector and chart a course toward a future replete with prosperity, stability, and opportunity for all Nigerians.
“This legislative endeavour will be marked by a commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability, aiming to create a regulatory environment that catalyses innovation, attracts investment, and secures the long-term viability of our petroleum resources,” he said.
He said the leadership of the committee had proactively engaged with the leadership and administrative officers of allied committees focusing on the sector.
According to him, this strategic collaboration is the cornerstone upon which we will build a cohesive and comprehensive approach to the multifaceted challenges and opportunities within the oil and gas sectors.
He urged member to roll up their sleeves and get down to the business at hand for the good of all Nigerians.
The Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria (HRJN) in partnership with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) on Monday, December 11, 2023, held a daylong training workshop on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for journalists and civil society to commemorate the 2023 Human Rights Day and 75th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Participants at the training workshop
Kehinde Adegboyega, Executive Director, HRJN, in his remarks, said the essence of the workshop is to educate journalists and civil society about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and open their eyes to the opportunities in the UDHR in advocating for human rights and also to assess the progress made so far on the UDHR in Nigeria.
“As the fourth estate of the realm, we have a lot to do and, in doing our job as it is expected of us, we need to empower ourselves by being well educated and well informed because journalists cannot function well especially on human rights advocacy if you do not understand the nuance and gender-based violence, you can’t report it, so as to avoid stigmatisation and causing more harm to the society.
“HRJN is interested in documenting, building capacity and advocating of human rights issues in Nigeria and also policy advocating of issues, strategic litigation on policies that affects human rights in general,” he maintained.
In her submission, Ms. Adwoa Kufuor-Owusu, the United Nations’ Senior Human Rights Adviser to the Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, admonished the participating journalists to embrace human rights advocacy at all times.
Kufuor-Owusu, represented by Esther Balami, Human Rights Officer in the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), said: “Our expectations is that the journalists become advocates of human rights, they should be able to advocate for ordinary citizens, they should be able to report news and investigate based on facts and be professional in what they do.
“Most importantly, they should be able to understand what human rights is and which particular topic to advocate on and how to incorporate enabling laws that are in line with international best practices in Nigeria.”
Lekan Otufodunrin, the Executive Director of Media Development Network, talked about the ethics of the media while Solomon Okedara spoke on “Litigation of Human Rights” with a view of enhancing the skills of journalists and civil society organisations in human rights advocacy and reporting.
In her submission, Peculiar Showale of Paradigm Initiative urged all participants to be part of Net Rights Initiative because “it will afford them the opportunity of getting up-to-date information on latest happenings in the digital space”.
According to her, Net Rights Coalition is a coalition of Internet freedom activists sharing knowledge and experiences to combat digital rights threats.
The International Human Rights Day is celebrated on December 10 every year since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed on December 10, 1948.
A new draft for the final text of the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai no longer includes a phase-out of coal, oil and gas.
Indian climate activist, Licypriya Kangujam, protests during COP28 meet In Dubai
The 21-page paper, which was published on Monday, December 11, 2023, only mentions a reduction in the consumption and production of fossil fuels.
In a previous version, the phase-out was still mentioned as one of several options.
Environmental organisations have reacted with disappointment.
Jan Kowalzig, a senior climate expert with Oxfam, spoke of a very “weak wording’’ that was moving away from fossil fuels.
And even the other targets tripling renewable energies and doubling energy efficiency were not mentioned as a goal, but only as a possible measure. “COP28 must not end like this,’’ he said.
The 1.5-degree Celsius target set by the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement would “probably be thrown out of the window’’ with this draft, “in spite of assurances to the contrary elsewhere in the text,’’ Kowalzig added.
Kowalzig urged the European Union not to agree with the declaration, stating that developing countries and their allies must demand significant improvements.
Environmental watchdog group, 350.org, stated: “Hours away from the conclusion of COP28, the draft of the final text has surfaced with major gaps, deliberate omissions, and unacceptable loopholes that allow for a continued global fossil fuel dependency and fail to address the climate crisis with the urgent, course correction needed for the most pressing issue of our time.
“For COP28 to successfully safeguard the future of people and planet, the final text needs to explicitly call for an unequivocal fossil fuel phaseout and an equitable and quantifiable powering up of renewable energy and energy efficiency targets.”
Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns, 350.org, said: “The COP28 draft text resembles a disjointed wish list, far from the stringent measures required to limit warming to 1.5°C. The presidency, displaying a troubling lack of leadership, has notably weakened commitments to phasing out fossil fuels and promoting renewables.
“By framing actions as ‘could’ instead of ‘shall’, and with weak language on short-term declines and renewable targets, this draft falls short. Nations committed to climate action must reject this weakened proposal, insisting on transformative changes for a meaningful impact on global warming.”
Cansin Leylim, 350.org Associate Director of Global Campaigns, said: “The COP28 draft text has surfaced. Its non-binding, vague, and elusive language is extremely disappointing to say the least, and falls far short of the urgent response the climate crisis demands of us, and what so many communities, experts, and negotiators have been fighting for. Like the smog-ridden Dubai skyline, the mention of fossil fuels in the final outcome is at best murky, and at worst, dangerous.
“This outcome leaves the doors wide open to dangerous distractions and false technologies like Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), which will surely blow us past the 1.5°C planetary limit, and fails to integrate the crucial finance and equitability aspects of the just transition to renewable energy that we need.”
Joseph Sikulu, Pacific Managing Director, 350.org: “The COP28 draft text is unacceptable, and far below the ambition required to keep our islands afloat. This week we felt that the goal of phasing out fossil fuels was within reach, but the lack of climate leadership shown by the presidency and the blatant watering down of commitments to a ‘wish list’ is an insult to those of us that came here to fight for our survival. How do we go home and tell our people that this is what the world has to say about our futures?”
Jeff Ordower, North America Director, 350.org: “The draft text coming out of COP28 is completely at odds with our climate goals. Let’s be clear: the text we see today is partly the work of the richest nations, including the US, trying to pull a bait and switch behind the scenes to distort the meaning of ‘phaseout’ so they can keep burning and profiting off of fossil fuels. So, today, we say to President Biden, John Kerry, and all world leaders: you either support a fossil fuel phaseout and reject this text, or you don’t support a phaseout. This is your moment of truth.”
Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns, 350.org: “The COP28 draft text resembles a disjointed wish list, far from the stringent measures required to limit warming to 1.5°C. The presidency, displaying a troubling lack of leadership, has notably weakened commitments to phasing out fossil fuels and promoting renewables. By framing actions as ‘could’ instead of ‘shall,’ and with weak language on short-term declines and renewable targets, this draft falls short. Nations committed to climate action must reject this weakened proposal, insisting on transformative changes for a meaningful impact on global warming.”
Landry Ninteretse, Regional Director, 350Africa.org: “We will continue to push back on this draft text and reject it until leaders address the elephant in the room – fossil fuels – the primary cause of the climate crisis. In addition to scaling up renewable energy capacity, a fast and fair phaseout of fossil fuels is necessary to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees celsius and avert the worst impacts of climate change.
“The choice between whether or not to commit to the phase out of fossil fuels is not one at all – it’s an illusion of choice. If that isn’t included in the final text, this COP will be remembered as a victory of petrostates and carbon colonialists that have once again deliberately ignored the suffering and injustices of hundreds of millions in Africa.”
Peri Dias, 350.org Latin America representative at COP28: “In the coming hours, we will either witness a historic decision for the good of the planet, or one for its end. Are the parties at COP28 going to agree to a rapid and fair elimination of fossil fuels or not? The climate movement in Latin America must continue with the pressure and continue to raise our voices so that world leaders in the Global North and their petrostate allies know that we will not accept the unacceptable. We need a formal commitment to phaseout fossil fuels and to promote renewable energies around the world – it is not enough that some countries do it and others do not; or that we leave here with only recommendations.”
Nnimmo Bassey, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and Oilwatch International: “The draft text is filled with platitudes but stays away from the real needs of climate action. It is unable to come to terms with the need to phase out fossil fuels. It speaks of substitution or reduction of production and consumption of fossil fuels.
“It is also stuck with carbon removals systems which could promote risky, unproven, technologies as well as severe impacts on communities. Big shame that the fossil fingers are bent on setting the world on fire. The UNEP Emissions Gap Report clearly showed that the voluntary emissions reduction pathway set by the Paris Agreement is simply incinerating the planet. Yet this document ‘Reaffirms the nationally determined nature of nationally determined contributions.’ This emphasises that national interest trumps global needs is a hard-nosed refusal of the parties to adhere to the principle of CBDR-RC and unambiguously call for an urgent phase out of fossil fuels.
“The COP needs to believe the evidence in the Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC it mentions repeatedly in the text and accept that the world needs concrete steps such as a measurable and binding emissions reduction regime based on historical and current responsibilities. This draft has done the bidding of the fossil lobby.”
In a momentous event held on Sunday, December 10, 2023, Young Climate Ambassadors announced their groundbreaking initiative, “Plant for Peace.”
Youth activists
The project, unveiled at COP28 Dubai, underscores the pivotal role that effective global governance and environmental stewardship play in creating a world free from the devastating impacts of war.
In response to persistent global conflicts, spreading from Palestine to Israel, Ukraine and Russia, to Ethiopia and Tigray, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Myanmar and Sudan, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen, and Afghanistan, Congo, and elsewhere, the initiative aims to bring about tangible change by addressing both environmental sustainability and global peace.
On International Human Rights Day, simultaneous tree-planting events were organised on four continents, uniting individuals, organisations, and governments in a collective effort against the scourge of war.
The chosen symbol of hope, mangrove trees, known for their resilience, served as a poignant tribute to children who tragically lost their lives in the shadows of armed conflicts.
The initiative, led by Dr. Sharei, Executive Director at the Centre for United Nations Constitutional Research (CUNCR), seeks to bridge the gap between global governance, environmental sustainability, and the urgent need for lasting peace.
With a target of planting 84,000 trees across eight different locations worldwide, the “Plant for Peace” project embodies the spirit of global unity required to tackle the complex issues contributing to armed conflicts.
At COP28 leaders and experts from Nigeria and South Africa shared their vision on how to build a just transition to a low-emission, climate-resilient future, relying on transparency to foster inclusive climate action while ensuring that no one will be left behind
Participants at the COP28 side event
At a COP28 side-event on Saturday, December 9, 2023, Nigeria and South Africa presented their countries’ just transition visions, emphasising the importance of transparency and inclusivity in ensuring a fair and equitable transition for all.
The two countries shared how they are planning to use indicators for defining the guardrails of a transition that ensures that all legitimate concerns are addressed. They would allow for continuous monitoring and evaluation and inform decision-making processes in a way that enables their economies to fundamentally transform, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement, while protecting the rights of their citizens, in particular the workforce.
The concept of just transition introduces a framework for ensuring that the transition to a low-carbon economy is fair and inclusive for all, particularly for vulnerable groups. It prioritises dialogue and stakeholder engagement and aims to secure the livelihoods and futures of citizens, in particular workers and their communities that may be affected by the transition.
“Proper awareness creation across all sectors on the impact of climate change and the need for just transition as an off shoot of climate action builds trust and creates ownership of the just transition movement into a green economy,” said the Minister of Labour & Employment of Nigeria, Simon Bako Lalong, represented by Adamu Sumi Gizos, Director of Special Duties and Project of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
He was joined at the event by Dr. Salisu Dahiru, Director General of the National Climate Change Council of Nigeria, who reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to climate action, including to its contributions under the Paris Agreement and its long-term decarbonisation target. He highlighted the importance of effective partnership.
A just transition to a low-carbon economy requires careful planning and strategic decisions to safeguard the interests of stakeholders, such as the labour force. Transparency of just transitions, including mechanisms to enable tracking and monitoring of indicators, will provide valuable information to stakeholders, including in government, civil society groups, communities, labour unions, researchers, financial institutions, and businesses.
This information can help design and implement the policies and measures that are necessary to transition to a green economy in a just and equitable way.
Mario Diaz of the World Resources Institute (WRI) presented the forthcoming methodological guide for tracking just transitions, currently under development by WRI under the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT). The guide introduces a versatile framework and provides a step-by-step approach that countries can follow regardless of their stage in the just transition process and their targeted economic sectors. The guide fosters innovation and country-specific solutions, placing stakeholder engagement at the heart of the process.
Nigeria and South Africa have partnered with ICAT to establish national just transition transparency frameworks. In Nigeria, the ICAT project is led by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment with a view to creating a national just and gender-inclusive transition measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) framework.
In South Africa, the ICAT project is led by the Presidential Climate Commission aiming at developing a just transition monitoring and evaluation system. Representatives from both countries shared their perspectives in a panel discussion. They were joined by representatives from Scotland, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the National Labour Council Nigeria (NLC).
Dr Peter Tarfa, Project Lead of the ICAT just and gender-inclusive transition project in Nigeria, highlighted the importance of wide stakeholder engagement. He underlined that Nigeria engaged stakeholders from the beginning of the process and sought their feedback.
This included different departments of the government, subnational authorities, civil society and faith-based organisations, and the media. Emphasis was placed on ensuring gender-inclusivity and geographic coverage across all regions of Nigeria. The process was accompanied by an awareness raising campaign through TV and other national media to be able to reach every household in the country.
Katie Ross, Head of Monitoring and Evaluation, and Content at the Presidential Climate Commission of South Africa, explained that the work on tracking just transitions would allow the country to know that they are on the right track, doing more good than harm. It could improve policy and decision making through evidence presented to the highest levels of government.
She highlighted the high-level commitment to justice in climate action and the active involvement of the national cabinet. The link to just transition finance was also a core aspect of the process.
Nick Robins from the Scottish Just Transition Commission emphasised the important role of indicators and recommended building as much as possible on existing indicators from various spheres of government. He highlighted that accountability and transparency in the context of just transition did not apply only to the government, but also to the business and financial community.
These actors were important contributors to the transition and needed to be held accountable, including for decisions that could be harmful. He made the link to the work on the UNFCCC just transition work programme, where he had also recommended a focus on indicators to operationalize just transition processes.
On behalf of the ITUC, Diana Junquera Curiel, Special Advisor in the Just Transition Centre and Director of Energy Industry and Just Transition of IndustriALL Global Union, highlighted the value of a social dialogue with workers at the table for the design of solid plans for the transition, the implementation of which needed to be tracked to assess progress.
Eche Asuzu, climate focal point of Nigeria’s National Labour Council, commended Nigeria for seeking out the workers’ opinion in the just transition process, which gave hope for positive progress. He stressed, however, that this should not be a one-time occurrence, but rather an ongoing process, supported by appropriate legislative and institutional frameworks. He also emphasised the importance of covering the informal economy in the process, and impacts such as those on human health.
“Without data and transparency, it is impossible to engage stakeholders in a meaningful way, which is an essential building block for achieving a just transition and the transformational change needed to move to a low-carbon economy,” underlined Henning Wuester, Director of the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT).
The COP28 side-event “Transparency of Just Transitions” was co-organised by the government of Nigeria, Sustainable Energy Africa and ICAT.
“The Dubai Climate Change Conference ends with a predictably failed crescendo and, once again, the UNFCCC multilateral process has proved a mirage for millions of vulnerable people in Africa and the world over, whose aspirations, desires and expectations have been dashed. Our worst fears have come to pass.”
Officials of PACJA at the COP28 media session
Those were the grim words emanating from the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), a consortium of over 1,000 organisations from 51 African countries, as it attempted an assessment of the global summit on Monday, December 11, 2023, in Dubai, the UAE.
According to the group, COP28 has missed the opportunity to put the world on track to deeply reduce greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the Paris Agreement target of keeping post-industrial revolution global mean temperature rise under 1.5 degrees Celsius at the turn of this century.
“As we outlined during our initial and second press conferences, we welcome the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund despite its ‘slap-on-the-face, peanut pledges’, but refuse to celebrate it since several issues – notably the extended timeframe to access the money – are yet to be resolved for the Fund to be of optimal use to communities at the frontline of climate change impacts,” PACJA officials disclosed at a media session.
They added: “Earlier this year, we warned that the outcome we are staring in the next couple of hours was inevitable after the host country, the United Arab Emirates (UEA) appointed an oil Executive, Sultan Al Jaber, to preside over the negotiations. In addition to being indifferent, contentious and exhibiting don’t-care attitude which have been captured in the media, Sultan Al Jaber has undeniably become an enabler, and foreseen the participation of the historic number of big polluters, promoters of false climate solutions and anti-climate corporate interests.
“We have reason to believe that the Parties have surrendered, and /or ceded the negotiations to climate profiteers, profaners of justice and entertained the influence of ill-intentioned individuals whose vision is to derail and retard the global transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient, inclusive and ecologically-just development pathways. The continuation of this trend will, no doubt, undermine the spirit of the UN Climate Convention, and the Paris Agreement and irreparably damage the imperatives of climate justice, with dire consequences to people, society and economies in Africa, further South and North.
“After following the debates and negotiations over the last two weeks, we feel disappointed, unsettled and hopeless. Critical issues relevant to Africa and the collective desire to tackle the climate crisis – especially adaptation, adaptation finance and Global Goal on Adaptation – remain marginal and contentious. Less than 24 hours before the closure of COP28, close to 70% of negotiation items remain open, thus demonstrating a lack of commitment and a sense of urgency to move the process towards positive outcomes.”
The group notes the following:
On the phasing-out of fossil fuels
Phasing out fossil fuels, the single most significant action needed to limit the emissions of most greenhouse gases and reverse global warming looks like a muzzled conversation in COP28 despite evidence generated in the Global Stock Take Process. Business interests side-stepped the imperative of keeping the mean global temperatures rise below 1.5 degrees Celius and creating a resilient globe, especially for communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis.
Beyond exploring further commercial interests through scaling renewables, which we obviously support, and paving the way for land and forest grabbing through bilateral deals ostensibly pursuant to carbon trading, Dubai will go into the annals of history as the COP which was equivocal in undermining rapid phaseout of fossil fuels – of course, aided by the oil-addicted President.
Securing Adaptation Agenda
We lament the lack of a tangible outcome on the Global Goal on Adaptation and any strong commitments to “more than double” adaptation finance flows to Africa. COP28 generated a paltry $156 million in pledges for adaptation finance, compared to Billions of Dollars pledged for mitigation-centric initiatives. But this falls short of the pledges made in Glasgow to double adaptation finance to $40 billion annually.
Adaptation remains the single most important priority for Africa because of the disproportionate levels of vulnerabilities and adverse impacts on its populations and economies. The push for an aspirational Global Goal on Adaptation cannot be rationalised with a push for voluntary implementation of this goal, particularly with national-level leadership and without a strong commitment to global climate finance.
Furthermore, the decision to run a two-year programme on the GGA, with yet another round of wasteful workshops, reveals a concerning lack of urgency in responding to communities that are in dire need of faster adaptation and resilience-building, local actions. It has become evident that developed countries are using delaying tactics to avoid fulfilling their commitment to provide the necessary climate funds for effective adaptation action.
Climate Finance
We have repeatedly emphasised the importance of developed countries fulfilling their climate finance commitments. It should be noted that the current demands for climate finance are in billions of dollars annually, not just the previously pledged $100 billion, which OECD just indicated they have already delivered – there is a difference between the money in paper and what is tangibly felt and seen on the ground. Unfortunately, COP28 has not yet taken any significant action towards the Finance goal.
Loss and Damage
We call for the application of the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities” to include securing sustainable replenishment for the Fund and responsive access mechanisms for communities at the frontline of the crisis.
We urge developed countries to be transparent and accountable in demonstrating their contributions to the loss and damage kitty, instead of simply repackaging existing climate financing and/or ODA in their climate pledges. We believe that the Loss and Damage Fund, important as it is, should not be used as a distraction from critical issues of negotiations. Rather, it should be utilised to stimulate developed nations to take action in reducing emissions and increasing climate finance for adaptation.
Global Stock Take
We were very clear in our call for action based on the evidence presented by the GST, which shows that global temperatures are reaching alarming levels and the gap in adaptation measures is widening. However, COP28 failed to use the scientific evidence generated by the UNFCCC to make progressive decisions.
We welcome the Just Transition Work Programme on the just transition pathway that paves the way for the design of a comprehensive programme. However, we insist on a transition that is sector-wide, graceful, fair, gender-responsive and equitable and that takes into account the socioeconomic and political realities of different regions, and nations, as well as the imperatives of climate justice. Just transition cannot be a super-highway for developed countries to unreasonably perpetuate and entrench their unfair economic and investment interests that have resulted in poverty, unemployment, mineral/resource conflicts, and worse, bloodshed in Africa.
As we leave COP28, we want to reiterate our call for UNFCCC to take back control of the processes from the global oil cartels and purveyors of delays for action. These cartels are causing harm to the world and their commitment to taking restitutive actions and adapting to change remains questionable. Despite all the noise and grandstanding that took place over the last two weeks, there are only two actions that are critical to our survival: eliminating fossil fuels, deep emission cuts, particularly in industrialised countries with the largest emissions, and finding ways to help developing and vulnerable countries adapt and build resilience to the adverse effects of climate change.
We are dedicated to forging impactful alliances and partnerships to achieve climate justice in Africa and globally.
In Dubai, world leaders are converging for crucial talks on the pressing global climate crisis. With COP28 on the horizon, this year takes the spotlight in debates on slashing greenhouse gas emissions, navigating a fair shift to a net-zero global economy, and assigning accountability. Why should Africa care? Because despite our minimal contribution to emissions, we bear the brunt of global warming’s impact, making this a matter of utmost importance.
COP28 in Dubai
Over the past year, Africa has sweltered under record-breaking temperatures, sparking wildfires in Algeria and Tunisia and unleashing the worst drought on the Horn of Africa – hitting Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia hard. Southern and eastern regions, on the other hand, grappled with the havoc wreaked by storms and floods.
From tropical cyclones to rising sea levels, climate change is taking a direct toll on food security, water access, public health, and economic stability across the continent. The reality of climate change in Africa unfolds before us, demanding urgent action. To tackle these catastrophes, we must first safeguard the very system that governs them – nature.
What makes COP even more relevant this year?
So, what makes COP28 significant? The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, aims to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change. It emphasises the need for countries to limit global warming, enhance resilience, and support developing nations in their climate actions. This year, it is the very first global stocktake. The global stocktake serves as a crucial mechanism for assessing the progress made in combating climate change.
As part of the Paris Agreement, nations agreed to review and enhance their climate commitments every five years. COP26, held in 2021, emphasised the importance of increasing ambition to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. In COP28, the Global Stocktake will allow nations to evaluate the efforts made so far and identify areas where further action is needed.
As the Mother Continent, there is still hope for a better tomorrow
Despite all that there is to be concerned about, Africa continues to demonstrate optimism and a firm commitment to combating climate change. From conserving water to sustainable electricity generation, countless Africans have come up with innovative and clever solutions to the impacts of climate change and the deterioration of the environment on the continent.
Solutions ranging from a scale as small as the Kenyan hairstylist who created affordable, environmentally friendly, biodegradable hair extensions as an alternative synthetic hair extension which are harmful to the environment. To as big as Future Ecosystems for Africa, a programme operating in various African countries, designed to explore a multitude of ways to maintain the ecosystems across Africa.
Dr Laura Pereira, Associate professor at the Wits Global Change Institute, says: “The Future Ecosystems for Africa project provides an excellent opportunity to work on addressing real change across the continent that draws on diverse knowledge systems to orient towards more preferable futures.”
There are organisations and institutions who have made it their mission to combat these disasters. Dr Duncan MacFadyen, Head of Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation, understands that our biggest obstacles continue to be financial. The economic feasibility of these solutions is what stands in our way. Understanding our barriers is the first step to ensuring a positive force towards change in the environment.
Renewable energy technologies have grown from a niche industry to an essential solution for the provision of electricity to millions of unconnected people across the globe. This growth has been led by advances in technology and obviously the need for cleaner energy generation sources. Financing is critical in implementing sustainable renewable energy solutions, which will in turn accelerate the supply of electricity in Africa and encourage economic development.
As nations and organisations converge at COP28, it is paramount to prioritise equitable solutions, financial support and technology transfer to ensure Africa’s active participation in combating climate change. Through collaborative efforts and the implementation of sound policies, Africa can reduce vulnerability, safeguard its natural resources and improve the livelihoods of African people while contributing to a more sustainable future.
For Africa to reap the maximum benefits from COP28, we need:
Advocate Fairness: Ensure that discussions address the disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa. Push for fair and just solutions that consider historical contributions to emissions.
Financial Support: Secure commitments for substantial financial aid to help African nations adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. This can include funding for sustainable infrastructure, technology transfer, and capacity building.
Capacity Building: Emphasise the importance of building local capacity to deal with climate-related challenges. This includes training and education programs to empower communities to adapt and innovate.
Policy Alignment: Encourage the alignment of global climate policies with the specific needs and circumstances of African nations. Tailored solutions can address unique challenges and promote sustainable development.
Voice and Representation: Ensure that Africa has a strong and influential voice in the negotiations. Advocate for increased representation and participation to make certain that decisions made at COP28 reflect the diverse needs of the continent.
As COP28 nears its end in Dubai, United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Gueterres, has emphasised the need for the Global Stock Take to offer a clear plan on tripling of renewable energy capacity, doubling of energy efficiency and the equitable phase out of fossil fuels.
Blue Zone, COP28 at Expo City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Photo credi: Walaa Alshaer /COP28 via Getty Images
Meanwhile, African climate activists are reiterating calls for leaders and decision makers at the climate talks to hold the line and deliver on decisive climate action in a manner that reflects the urgency and scale of the climate crisis.
As Africa is the most climate-vulnerable continent, COP28 is said to present an opportunity to reignite hope for a liveable future for communities grappling with extreme weather events that are increasing in intensity and frequency.
Environment watchdog, 350.org, has been calling for a binding energy package in which parties agree to tripling of renewable energy capacity by 2030, doubling of energy efficiency by 2030 and phase out of all fossil fuels by 2050.
Landry Ninteretse – Regional Director, 350Africa.org, said: “We have seen some commendable strides made at COP28 so far, such as the operationalization of the Loss and damage fund and support for the tripling of renewable capacity. It is now time for leaders to squarely address the elephant in the room – the primary cause of the climate crisis – fossil fuels. In addition to scaling up renewable energy capacity, a fast and fair phaseout of fossil fuels is necessary to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius and avert the worst impacts of climate change.
“The choice between whether or not to commit to the phase out of fossil fuels is not one at all – it’s an illusion of choice. If that isn’t included in the final text, this COP will be remembered as a victory of petrostates and carbon colonialists that have deliberately ignored once again the suffering and injustices of hundreds of millions in various parts of Africa.
Portia Adu-Mensah, National Coordinator Ghana Reducing our Carbon, said: “As our communities are ravaged by climate breakdown, the Africa Group of Negotiators recently underscored the importance of adaptation as a critical component in the implementation of the Paris agreement. We reiterate calls for funds to help African nations build resilience against the adverse effects of the climate crisis and mechanisms to deliver climate finance under favourable conditions.
“Additionally, we urge our leaders to maintain a strong stance on renewables and be categorical in the call to phase out fossils. As we gear up for the conclusion of COP28, we can’t afford weak measures or compromises that jeopardise the very survival of communities.”
As negotiations come closer to an end at COP28 and delegates battle to agree on strong language for fossil fuel phase out in the cover text, the summit has continued to witness the leadership of Pacific Island Nations who are joining the growing bloc of countries seeking a negotiating mandate for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Following announcements from Palau, Colombia and Samoa at COP28, Nauru becomes the 12th nation to publicly call for a Treaty.
President David Adeang of Nauru
In his National Statement at the High-Level Plenary of COP28, Mr Reagan Moses, Secretary for Climate Change and National Resilience of Nauru, said: “We are ready to do our part in making the Pacific a fossil fuel-free zone. In this regard, Nauru would like to use this opportunity to join others in calling for a treaty to phase out fossil fuel production.”
Moses also highlighted the importance of financing a Just Transition in the most vulnerable countries: “As Ministers and negotiators review the draft decisions over the course of this week, there is an easy way to determine the value we place as a global community on addressing climate change. Just look at the finance. All of our vision – all of our political will – amounts to very little if those who hold the purse strings fail to deliver on finance.”
Being so close to the equator, Nauru is subject to the impacts of rising sea levels as well as strong winds and sea swells, ocean acidification and increased risks of coral bleaching.
“Our marine port is our island’s lifeline, without which we would be almost entirely cut off from food, medicine, and almost all other necessities. This is not hypothetical, as even today, storms can cut us off from shipments many weeks at a time,” said Secretary Moses in his speech.
The main climate extreme experienced by Nauru is drought, lasting as long as 36 months. Droughts usually occur during La Niña events when the surrounding sea temperature is lower, resulting in less cloud and rainfall. Prolonged droughts impact the underground fresh-water lens, resulting in water supply problems and severe stress on natural ecosystems.
Welcoming the announcement, Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Energy, Environment, Meteorology, Geohazards and Disaster Management, said: “As the pioneers of this movement, Vanuatu is grateful to see so many fellow Pacific nations joining the group of countries championing the call for a Fossil Fuel Treaty and a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific. This announcement is a significant milestone in our collective journey towards a sustainable and resilient future.
“Together, we amplify our voices and show that our nation-states are not only on the front lines of climate impacts, but we are also at the forefront of the climate fight, actively working to implement innovative solutions to address the harmful impacts that substances like oil, gas and coal pose on our communities. And we see the Treaty as one of these solutions.”
Auimatagi Joe Moeono-Kolio, Pacific Chief Advisor of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, said: “Pacific leadership in international climate forums has historically been critical. As the COP negotiations pick up pace, with the strongest lobbying from the fossil fuel industry ever seen, many Pacific countries are pushing for a strong outcome for the sake of our survival. On the sidelines, we are witnessing a growing movement that calls for a Fossil Fuel Treaty as an alternative, faster and more equitable solution to this crisis, and Nauru is the 4th country to do so here in Dubai. Other so-called ‘leaders’ must follow the Pacific’s lead and stop using these forums as a performance stage while they continue to escalate the problem through the expansion of new fossil fuels and loophole language.”
Nauru is joining a growing bloc of countries – Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Tonga, Fiji, Niue, the Solomon Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Timor-Leste, Palau, Colombia and Samoa – who are spearheading a push to secure a mandate to negotiate a new international mechanism to manage a phase out of fossil fuels, and finance a just and equitable global transition away from oil, gas and coal.
