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COP28: Nigeria, South Africa pioneer just transition through transparency

Michael Simire
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COP28: Nigeria, South Africa pioneer just transition through transparency

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

COP28
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.

COP28 a failure, has weakened Paris Agreement – PACJA

Michael Simire
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COP28 a failure, has weakened Paris Agreement – PACJA

“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.”

PACJA
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.

Unveiling COP28 significance for Africa in fight against climate change

Michael Simire
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Unveiling COP28 significance for Africa in fight against climate change

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
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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

COP28 calls for commitment to fossil fuel phaseout, climate finance intensify

Michael Simire
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COP28 calls for commitment to fossil fuel phaseout, climate finance intensify

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.”

Nauru becomes 12th nation-state to call for Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

Michael Simire
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Nauru becomes 12th nation-state to call for Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

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.

David Adeang
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.

Along with the group of 12 nations, the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty proposal is also supported by the World Health Organisation, the European Parliament, 101 Nobel Laureates, 600+ parliamentarians in 83 countries,  2,100 civil society organisations, 3,000 scientists and academics and over 90 cities and subnational governments, including most recently the State of California, the fifth largest economy in the world, and nine Peruvian Indigenous Nations.

Why COP28 must answer the call for a fossil fuel phase out – Greenpeace

Michael Simire
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Why COP28 must answer the call for a fossil fuel phase out – Greenpeace

As COP28 resumes for a second week, negotiators will be faced with answering the call for a commitment to a Fossil Fuel Phase Out in Dubai.

Greenpeace
Anti fossil fuels campaigners at COP28

Observers say that never before have there been so many voices coming from so many directions to seize the moment and commit to phasing out oil, coal and gas.

“And never before have alternative formulations on fossil fuel phase out made it this far into a draft text. But there are still no guarantees on a decision on fossil fuels, so all is in play,” submitted environmental campaigning organisation, Greenpeace.

Thandile Chinyavanhu, Climate and Energy campaigner, Greenpeace Africa, said: “Africa is making promising steps away from the outdated extractive practices of fossil fuel industries which for decades have locked communities in conflict, human suffering, and ecological death. We must encourage further development driven by innovation rooted in pan-Africanism. To achieve this future, we need our leaders to push back against further attempts at neo-colonial plundering of resources on the continent at the expense of Africans.”

Kaisa Kosonen, Head of the Greenpeace COP28 delegation, said: “We are here to make fossil fuels history. By now governments know they can’t leave this summit without an agreement to end fossil fuels, in a fast and fair manner. Now the question is what is the package of solutions, support and cooperation that will get us over the finishing line. It’s clear that developed countries are the ones that need to take the lead here.

“The solutions are ready – a fast and fair transition to renewable energy is possible – but it won’t happen fast enough unless we push the fossil fuel industry out of the way. And when it comes to money, just look at who made record profits last year – it’s the fossil fuel industry! There’s enough money in the world to deal with this crisis, but it has to be redirected from problems to solutions, so that polluters are made to pay.”

Yuan Ying, China Chief Representative, Greenpeace East Asia, said: “COP28 can’t be called a success if there are no renewable energy targets and a full, fast, fair and funded fossil fuel phase-out. After the hottest decade ever, anything less is dropping the ball.

“China is the world’s biggest wind and solar producer. And it has the capacity to respond to climate change on par with wealthy countries, while also sharing many of the same concerns as developing countries. This in-between role actually enables China to unlock those entangled negotiations in week two. The China-US Sunnylands statement provides keys for unlocking solutions here, but we still need to see them in action here in Dubai.”

Ghiwa Nakat, Executive Director, Greenpeace MENA, said: “Nobody wins a trophy at half-time, but this COP certainly got off to a strong and hopeful start. The historic consensus to operationalise the new Loss and Damage Fund could be a real lifesaver for frontline communities if the responsibility of developed countries to lead in resourcing the fund is recognised in the final COP decision.

“However, such announcements are not enough if we don’t have a planet to live on. We’ve got to stop fuelling more loss and damage. Everything so far has been just a prelude to what we really want to hear – commitment to a just and equitable phaseout of all fossil fuels by mid-century, coupled with key milestones for this critical decade.”

Dr. Camila Jardim, International Politics Specialist, Greenpeace Brasil, said: “Brazil arrived at COP28 with important advances in the fight against deforestation and with an interesting proposal for a global financing fund for tropical forests, which escapes the harmful logic of the carbon market. However, the Brazilian government has avoided the most difficult and urgent conversation at this COP: negotiations for a global agreement to eliminate all fossil fuels by 2050, with a significant reduction by 2030. The science is clear: the 1.5º C mission launched by Brazilian diplomacy is completely impossible without an end of fossil fuels.

“Brazil needs to stop hiding behind meaningless justifications: no country in the world has the potential that we have in renewable energy, which is the future of global energy geopolitics. We can lead and show the way for other countries, both by demanding financing and technology transfer to developing countries, and by building consensus around the urgency of this agreement and sharing our own experiences and technologies with partners.”

Rolf Skar, National Campaigns Director, Greenpeace USA, said: “The US signed on to an agreement on the phase out of fossil fuels at the G7, but here at COP28 they are sitting on the sidelines, apparently content to watch the world burn. The United States is on track to add more than a third of the world’s carbon pollution from new oil and gas production through 2050. They cannot hide behind the smokescreen of a coal phase out while ignoring their biggest problem: massive increases in oil and gas that will plunge our world deeper into climate catastrophe.

“No one is fooled. Americans bearing the brunt of fossil fuel extraction and export – who are disproportionately people of color – need policies that stop treating their communities like sacrifice zones for the oil and gas industry. The international community expects and needs the US to lead by example. There is still time for the US to change course. But no more time at COP28 should be wasted with half-steps and broken promises.”

Hirotaka Koike, Senior Political and External Affairs Officer, Greenpeace East Asia, said: “While the world is experiencing the hottest year on record, Japan has been silent on the issue of fossil fuels. As the only country among G7 without a phase out date of coal use, Japan’s silence shows their unwillingness to honour the G7 commitment as a presidency and hide behind other blockers to do the dirty job.

“The minister’s arrival should change that if Japan wants to be seen contributing to the global fight to keep 1.5 alive. Japan should take a chance to make it clear that they are on the right side of history by championing a fast, fair, and equitable fossil fuels phase out in the negotiating room.”

Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific, Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “AOSIS has been a powerful voice for our Small Island Developing states to keep 1.5℃ alive. They have consistently called on major emitters to address the elephant in the room – fossil fuels. AOSIS has been vocal about the urgent need to phase out all fossil fuels and inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, if the world has a fighting chance of nurturing its diversity for our future generations. For our islands, it is a matter of survival. It is not only a technical outcome we are fighting for, but one that is centred on the protection of our lands, oceans and people.”

Maarten de Zeeuw, Climate and Energy Campaigner, Greenpeace Netherlands, said: “The EU has its eyes on the ball, to deliver the fossil fuel phase out that’s urgently needed from this summit. But they’ve still got to get their goals clear for this critical decade. Simply stopping the growth of fossil fuel use this decade isn’t enough, when the actual challenge is to get oil, coal and gas use significantly down already by 2030.

“To get the energy package over the finishing line here, the EU needs to ensure support will be delivered for those in need, as opportunities today are not equal. We are calling on the EU and other rich countries to show leadership by committing to ending fossil fuel consumption and production fastest and by stepping up to provide financial support for a fair phase-out in poorer countries.”

Rebecca Newsom, Head of Politics at Greenpeace UK, said: “The UK’s status as a leader in these global climate talks seriously hangs in the balance. While wildfires and floods wreak havoc across the world, the Prime Minister’s message to delegates in Dubai was that the UK has already done enough. While his negotiators continue to work hard behind the scenes, they still need to speak up more strongly for a full, fast, fair and funded fossil fuel phaseout, and to stop objecting to text proposals that would move talks forward on the substance of future climate finance obligations for developing countries.

“With Ministers now arriving, there’s still time for the UK to show real leadership in backing an ambitious – and equitable – outcome to end the fossil fuel age and build resilience in response to growing climate impacts. The public, business, investors and a growing coalition of countries are all calling for it – now is the time to act.”

Pedro Zorrilla Miras, Climate and Energy Campaigner, Greenpeace Spain, said: “In this first week of COP28, the EU has been one of the frontrunner groups for the fossil fuel phase out, the key step needed to keep 1.5ºC alive and avert the worst catastrophic climate change. Spain has been a key country pushing for this, as shown by the statements by the Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and by the Vice-president Teresa Ribera.

“Nevertheless, if we want to achieve this historical step, Spain needs to increase the ambition by saying no to abatement technologies and by showing a clear commitment for providing sufficient finance support for developing countries for a just fossil fuel phase out.”

COP28: Stakeholders to leverage support for climate change, development

Michael Simire
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COP28: Stakeholders to leverage support for climate change, development

Some countries and international institutions have pledged to support the channelling of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) through Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs).

Akinwunmi Adesina
AfDB president, Akinwunmi Adesina

A statement issued by the African Development Bank (AfDB) said that the bank with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) raised the proposal for channelling of the SDRs.

The statement listed the countries to include, France, Japan, Spain, the United Kingdom, Brazil (the incoming G20 Presidency).

It listed the institutions to be International Monetary Fund (IMF), United Nations, Ministers from Africa and Latin America, the Asian Development Bank and other international institutions.

The participants made the commitment at a special roundtable convened at the COP28 in Dubai, hosted by the COP28 Presidency, AfDB, IDB and Government of France.

It said the meeting, which was co-hosted by the Government of Japan, with support from the Rockefeller Foundation, would discuss leveraging SDRs for climate and development.

Speaking at the roundtable, the AfDB’s President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, reiterated the benefits of channelling the SDRs through MDBs.

He said, “MDBs can multiply the channelled SDRs by at least four times their original values. This multiplier effect means that $5 billion of channelled SDRs can be transformed into $20 billion of new financing.

“This will transform the SDRs from static foreign reserve assets into dynamic lending instruments at affordable costs to finance development.

“While preserving their reserve asset status and be at zero cost to taxpayers in SDR-rich countries.”

Also speaking, the IDB President Ilan Goldfajn highlighted the important progress in the discussion around SDRs channelling.

“Special Drawing Rights are critical in helping us advance our climate agenda, and to scale up investments for climate mitigation and adaptation in our member countries.

“We welcome the progress made towards the rechannelling of SDRs with the liquidity pledges by France, Japan, the UK, and Spain through the SDR hybrid capital instrument and the IMF’s readiness to send a proposal to its Executive Board soon.

“Going forward, it will be crucial to have the commitment of at least five more investors to make this instrument a reality and start channelling SDRs through MDBs,” Goldfajn said.

Similarly, the IMF Deputy Managing Director, Bo Li, congratulated the two banks for developing a concrete proposal.

He said, “Based on our staff assessment, the hybrid capital instrument proposed by AfDB and IDB will meet the reserve asset quality requirements.

“Successful implementation of the proposal will be an important contribution to amplify the positive impact of the historic 2021 SDR allocation for the benefit of developing countries,” Li said.

He said that the IMF was working at pace to finalise all required approvals, with these processes already well advanced and expected to be completed and sent to the board in the near future.

The government of Japan announced that it would be accelerating its best efforts to make a contribution to the proposed hybrid capital.

The country’s Deputy Director-General in the Ministry of Finance, Tomoyoshi Yahagi, said the proposal by the two banks was a great opportunity by MDBs to show strong partnership with their member countries.

Yahagito said it would enable the countries deliver the most needed financial resources to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Director-General of the French Treasury, Emmanuel Moulin, said from the beginning, his country had been a strong supporter of SDR reallocation.

“AfDB and IDB have put forward a very solid proposal for the channelling of SDRs through a hybrid capital instrument with the help of IMF for the benefit of countries most in need.

“France is ready to support the SDR hybrid capital proposal through the Liquidity Support Agreement, by providing a guarantee,” Moulin said.

Spain’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economy, Trade and Enterprises, Nadia Calvino, who also chairs the International Monetary and Financial Committee, IMF, expressed her country’s support for the SDR initiative.

“Spain has been in the lead to reinforce the firepower of multilateral institutions and the creation of new instruments which are fit for purpose.

“Channelling SDRs is one of the instruments we should work on,” Calvino said.

The United Kingdom commended the AfDB and the IDB for these innovative proposals to maximize the value of SDR channelling.

The UK’s Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, said his country would be exploring the possibility of augmenting the SDR facility with a liquidity support agreement.

“The UK is a firm champion and supporter of the AfDB and its outstanding president.

“And I sincerely hope that with further detailed work, this channelling proposal can be delivered, benefiting those countries most in need of support.”

The UN’s Under Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Li Junhua, said the proposal by the AfDB and the IDB deserved all our support.

“The UN calls on countries with unused SDRs to show their support and conclude contribution agreements with the AfDB and the IDB,” he said.

The Government of Brazil confirmed that efforts to re-channel SDRs through MDBs to expand climate and development finance will form part of the agenda for their G20 Presidency.

Sir Alok Sharma, a Climate and Finance Fellow at the Rockefeller Foundation and the former COP26 President, said: “We can overcome the technical barriers. This event demonstrates a vital ingredient, political will.

“We all talk about the millions, the billions, and the trillions, but that doesn’t mean anything to people living on the front lines of climate change.

“This is about supporting the most vulnerable people in the world. Please do not fail them.”

Alvaro Lario, the president of the International Fund of Agricultural Development, said: “The solutions have been provided and what is now needed is the political breakthrough.”

Supportive remarks were also made by senior government officials from Kenya, Senegal, Brazil, Argentina, and the Asian Development Bank.

The IMF issued a historic general allocation of SDRs worth $650 billion in 2021 to help countries deal with the impact of a global crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Africa, with a population of more than 1.2 billion, received only $33 billion, representing about five per cent of the total allocation, the smallest portion among the different regions of the world.

Similarly, Latin America and the Caribbean received only eight per cent of the total allocation.

The African Union at its meeting of Heads of State in February 2022, urged wealthy nations to increase the SDR allocation to the continent to at least $100 billion and channel part of them through the AfDB.

The channelling of SDRs through the MDBs strongly aligns with and was incorporated into the MDB Vision Statement issued at the Summit on the Paris Pact for People and Planet held in June 2023.

The AfDB and the IDB developed an innovative mechanism that would be structured as a hybrid capital instrument and can, therefore, be accounted for as equity on the AfDB’s and IDB’s balance sheets.

It is also underpinned by a Liquidity Support Agreement between contributing shareholders to ensure that SDR-contributing countries can still account for these as reserves.

By Lucy Ogalue

COP28: Beginning of the end for fossil fuels?

Michael Simire
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COP28: Beginning of the end for fossil fuels?

COP28 in Dubai may eventually be the summit that marks a date with destiny. A date that marks the end of fossil fuels.

East Africa crude oil pipeline
Fossil fuels extraction: A crude oil pipeline under construction

It is highly likely that the final text will include language on a fossil fuel phaseout/ down. The climate talks in Dubai have been marked by an increase in calls for fossil fuel phase outs even as oil rich countries like Nigeria, Senegal, Mauritania and South Africa vowed to continue its exploitation.

Ahead of COP28, more than 106 countries from across Africa, Caribbean, Pacific and Europe jointly announced their support to phase out all fossil fuels, but finding a consensus has proven to be hard. The African Group of Negotiators has failed to reach a consensus after the four nations opposed any language on phase down/ out in the Global Stocktake (GST) text.

OPEC pushback

As talks on fossil fuel phaseout continue to be the central point in Dubai, a few days to COP28 drawing to a close, leaked letters show OPEC warning its 13 member countries – including Nigeria, Congo, Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, South Sudan and Gabon –  to oppose with “utmost urgency” and reject any text or formula that targets a fossil fuel phase out.

Taking stock

There is voiced concern that the current Global Stocktake may not be adequate. This concern arises from the continued increase in climate impacts despite ongoing assessment efforts. More than 800 leaders cutting across business, finance, philanthropy, politics, academia and civil society have signed a letter urging the COP President to deliver a 1.5C aligned outcome.

Three seats for Africa in Loss and Damage Fund Board

The Loss and Damage Fund is taking shape following the big announcement of its establishment at the beginning of COP28. This week, it was announced that the majority of the nine members for its inaugural board will come from developed countries, out of which three seats will be reserved for Africa.

The Africa Group of Negotiators announced this as it reassured civil society that it will protect the continent’s interest in the new fund.

“We have been convinced that the fund will not follow the World Bank rules, it will have its own governance and board where Africa will have three representatives on the board and that softens our hearts,” said Collins Nzovu, Zambia’s Environmental Minister and Chair of the AGN.

Meanwhile, Kenya and Tanzania are the final contenders for the leadership of AGN, following a last-minute decision by Rwanda to pull out. Zambia’s two-year term has come to an end, paving the way for a new Chair from the East African region who is expected to be announced at the end of COP28.

COP opens up space for false solutions

“This COP appears more like a carbon trade fair; people are making deals instead of talking about how to cut emissions at source … we’re seeing a sellout of the African continent,” said Nigerian activist Nnimmo Bassey as he weighed in on the carbon credits deals.

While Africa is the most affected by the climate crisis yet the least responsible, the continent is grappling with a new fad that is putting millions of people into further agony. With insufficient climate funds, dwindling grants and expensive loans, governments have been forced to contend with carbon deals as major polluters find a way to further take away from needy countries.

Blue Carbon, a UAE based firm, has cut potential deals in Liberia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia and Tanzania. In the case of Liberia, the credits would be traded on one million hectares and the company would take 70% of all profits tax free, with the Liberian government and local communities taking the remainder.

Speaking in the plenary meeting of the COP/CMP/CMA, Aderonke Ige of Demand Climate Justice Now, said: “False solutions like offsets and CCS are dangerous distractions that divert public funding, threaten vulnerable communities and prolong deadly pollution. These are unacceptable. We need a way forward that is people driven, party driven, not a big polluter or presidency driven process.”

COP28 must deliver on Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA)

Africa Group of Negotiators are calling for urgent progress in addressing the importance of climate adaptation emphasising the significance of the economic toll on the continent. AGN’s call to action is underscored by the need for qualitative and substantial financing that is easily accessible. They noted that failure to act on adaptation will hinder progress and deem this COP28 as non-successful.

While acknowledging the progress made in getting Loss and Damage on the agenda, AGN points out that the $800 million pledged, falls short of the required amount, calling for billions or even trillions to effectively manage loss and damage.

Still on GGA

African climate experts are also worried that negotiations on the GGA at COP28 may not yield a concrete outcome on this important call. A decision on GGA had been touted as a key deliverable from Dubai, alongside a major win in the form of the establishment of a loss and damage fund. And with more countries pledging money into the L&D fund, the climate experts fear that developed countries may be disinclined to push for a decision on the GGA. In the run-up to COP28, African Civil Society Organisations had released a Common Position Paper on Adaptation and Loss and Damage.

“We cannot talk about adaptation without talking about scaling finance and a strong Global Goal on Adaptation. Both are critical if we are to fast-track action and build the adaptive capacity of communities on the frontline of the climate crisis, especially in Africa,” said Amy G Thorp, the senior adaptation and resilience policy advisor at Power Shift Africa.

Africa Civil Society weigh in on COP28 negotiations

Members of the African Civil Society are calling for urgent and concrete action at COP28, including stronger language on the phaseout of fossil fuels and clear commitments to safeguard the acceleration to a just and equitable transition.

“There is nothing like abated or unabated fossil fuels. We know the source of the climate crisis. We must address emissions from the source. We must also phase out subsidies and other financial support for fossil fuels. It is also important to cease using convenient language such as efficient or inefficient energy forms.” Amos Wemanya, Lead, Just Transitions at Powershift Africa.

COP28: Climate change severely impacting migratory species of wild animals – Report

Michael Simire
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0
COP28: Climate change severely impacting migratory species of wild animals – Report

Climate change is already having catastrophic impacts on many migratory animals and their ability to provide vital ecosystem services to humanity, according to a major new report of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), a UN biodiversity treaty.

Migratory birds
Migratory birds

Released on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai (UNFCCC COP28), the report finds that the direct effects of climate change on many migratory species are already being seen, including poleward range shifts, changes in the timing of migration, and reduced breeding success and survival. Integral to the ecosystems they live in, migratory species support vital ecosystem services that both mitigate the impacts of climate change and increase the resilience to climatic hazards.

The study also emphasises the urgent need to act now to help vulnerable migratory species adapt to a changing climate. Actions such as the establishment of comprehensive and well-connected networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures are crucial to support species movement in response to climate change, whilst direct human interventions, such as the translocation of vulnerable populations of species, will be needed in some cases.

Some of the key findings of the report include:

  • Strong evidence that global increases in temperature have affected most migratory species groups, and these impacts are mostly negative. For instance, rising temperatures are causing changes in the reproduction and survival of krill and are having a negative impact on marine mammals and seabirds that rely on krill as a key food source.
  • Strong evidence that climate change is impacting migratory species distribution and timing of migration. In particular, temperature increases are driving poleward range shifts and earlier migration and breeding. In some species, such as wading birds, there is a risk this will cause a mismatch between the timing of breeding and the time when prey species are most abundant.
  • Changes in water availability are causing the loss of wetlands and reduced river flows, which are likely to particularly impact the migration of fish and waterbirds.
  • Extreme climate-related events such as landslides are causing severe habitat destruction and have already been observed at some seabird breeding sites.
  • There is strong evidence that migratory seabirds and marine mammals will be impacted by the changes in oceanic currents which are likely to alter the nature and functioning of many marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

The study, titled: “Climate change and migratory species: a review of impacts, conservation actions, indicators and ecosystem services”, was commissioned by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland through the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) as a major contribution to the work of CMS on climate change, and prepared by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO).

Steve Barclay, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, said: “Nature underpins the very fabric of our lives – the ecosystems, food and water security upon which we all depend, as well as the health of our economies. The challenges that these migratory species face as a result of climate change are a powerful demonstration of the need for coordinated global action to protect our environment, which is why the UK is taking a leading role in efforts to restore nature, halt biodiversity loss and achieve our stretching targets to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030.”

Biodiversity is said to be declining globally at unprecedented rates, and climate change is one of the major drivers of this crisis. In 2021, the world’s leading biodiversity and climate scientists jointly sounded the alarm, stating that biodiversity loss and climate change mutually reinforce each other and neither will be successfully resolved unless both are tackled together.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted last year recognises that nature-based solutions are essential in the fight against climate change in its Target 8. The conservation of migratory species and their habitats is an important part of the solution to both the biodiversity and the climate change crises.

Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary of CMS, said: “Migratory species are finely tuned to the rhythms of our planet. They depend on a delicate balance, journeying vast distances to reach habitats specifically suited for their survival and reproduction. However, climate change is severely disrupting these critical paths, altering ecosystems and affecting the availability of resources.

“This disruption serves as a crucial red flag, highlighting the broader implications of climate change not just for these species, but for the interconnected web of life on Earth. This report underscores the need for immediate and concerted global action to mitigate these impacts and protect the future of migratory species.”

Migratory species are important for ecosystem function and climate change mitigation, especially when they form a significant part of an ecosystem or aggregate in large numbers at particular times of the year. Many migratory species are related to the movement and dispersal of seeds and nutrients.

Large migratory species can contribute to climate change mitigation through the decomposition of their faeces, which locks carbon into the soil or seabed, as well as through more complex processes, such as maintaining trophic webs that protect forest or seagrass beds important for carbon sequestration. Migratory species can also contribute towards climate change adaptation by enhancing ecosystem resilience; for example, seabird guano increases the nutrients available for coral reef growth, which in turn reduces coastal erosion.

The impacts of climate change on migratory species underscore the need for countries to cooperate on actions to ensure their conservation. CMS provides a vehicle for such cooperation, addressing migratory species across their range. By conserving migratory species and their habitat under CMS, countries can also achieve win-win solutions and directly contribute to the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Professor Colin Galbraith, Former Chair of JNCC and CMS COP-Appointed Councillor for Climate Change, said: “This report sets out robust scientific evidence that climate change is already having a significant impact on many species around the world that are dependent on migration for their survival. The clock is ticking on the future for many iconic species. We owe it to them to raise global awareness that solutions are possible and call on governments to use this report to take action, seeking out nature-based solutions that will help migratory species and that can reduce the impacts of climate change.”

The launch of the report comes in advance of the 14th meeting of the CMS Conference of the Parties, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from February 12 to 17, 2024, which the promoters say will be one of the most significant global biodiversity gatherings since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The meeting will address crucial conservation priorities, including priority actions to address climate change and its impacts on migratory species and their habitats.

Nigeria ready to shift from oil, says Tinubu at COP28

Michael Simire
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0
Nigeria ready to shift from oil, says Tinubu at COP28

At the ongoing UNFCCC’s COP28 in Dubai, Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has announced to the world its intention to shift from oil to cleaner sources of energy.

Balarabe Abass Lawa
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abass Lawal, speaking at COP28

The Nigerian president in a speech delivered by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abass Lawal, maintained its position for large-scale investment from developed nations as the only means for the country to comply with the UN’s call for climate action, and achieve the twin ambitions of development and sustainability.

The president said: “Pursuant to our ‘decade of gas’ policy, we now seek to shift from oil, coal and wood to using cleaner gas. We seek large-scale investment in this area as well as in renewable energy.

“As Nigeria commits to reducing emissions by moving to cleaner energy sources, we urge developed nations to finally honour their commitment to providing the needed technology to help promote development while simultaneously mitigating climate change.

“Developing economies cannot be pressed and pressured into bearing a disproportionate share of the burden. The framework of a sustainable climate change solution cannot mirror the extant imbalances of the current global economic order.”

Nigeria has been heavily reliant on oil for over three decades, with fossil fuels accounting for 60% of government revenue and nearly 90% of foreign exchange earnings. To date, Nigeria remains one of Africa’s biggest oil producers, with fossil fuels accounting for 60% of government revenue and 90% of foreign exchange earnings.

Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, during COP26 in Glasgow pledged that the country would attain net zero emissions by 2060.

This goal appears to be in sharp contrast to what the newly operational Petroleum Industry Act envisions as the oil and gas role in Nigeria’s economy.

By ’Seyifunmi Adebote

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