With only a week to the UN Local weather Summit (COP28) in Dubai, Energy Shift Africa has revealed a report titled Africa’s Agenda for COP28.
The report points a compelling name for decisive actions on the summit to fight the escalating local weather disaster.
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As COP28 approaches, the important thing query is; will this summit ship an unparalleled response to the worldwide local weather disaster? The report requires a sturdy response at COP28 to deal with the distinct challenges of the present local weather emergency, with a deal with 5 key areas:
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Loss and Harm Fund
The report locations pressing emphasis on the finalisation of the Loss and Harm Fund, advocating for strong monetary and technical institutional preparations.
This fund, it says, isn’t merely a monetary instrument however a lifeline for susceptible communities disproportionately impacted by climate-induced disasters. It requires the swift institution of the fund as that is vital for offering well timed and efficient help for restoration and adaptation.
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Simply transition work programme
The report requires a programme that echoes the ideas of justice and inclusivity and goals to help Africa and different creating nations in transitioning to low-carbon economies whereas addressing the financial and social dimensions of local weather motion, making certain nobody is left behind.
International purpose on adaptation
A core demand from the report is the unambiguous definition of the worldwide purpose of adaptation, coupled with a name for doubling adaptation finance.
The report underscores the need for prioritising low-risk concessional loans and grants over high-risk ones that danger international locations falling into better debt. This method, it argues, would be certain that adaptation initiatives aren’t solely efficient but additionally financially accessible, with a particular deal with probably the most susceptible communities.
Local weather finance commitments
The report insists on clear commitments and tangible progress in local weather finance negotiations. It staunchly advocates for the fulfilment of the long-overdue $100 billion pledge by developed international locations.
Moreover, the report stresses the paramount significance of grants over loans, aligning monetary help with justice and equity ideas to fulfill the pressing wants of creating nations.
Mitigation in direction of 1.5°C
The report underscores the necessity for resolute world efforts to restrict temperature rise, emphasising fairness, accountability, and concrete actions.
Submit-COP26, the place a 1.5°C restrict was endorsed, the report requires an acceleration of mitigation efforts.
Mohamed Adow, Founder and Govt Director of Energy Shift Africa, is on the frontline of the local weather disaster. ” We have to see our leaders working to make sure wealthy international locations ship on their promise of local weather finance to assist Africans adapt to local weather change and compensate probably the most susceptible who’ve suffered losses and damages.
“The settlement of a Loss and Harm Fund ultimately yr’s assembly in Egypt was an important instance of what might be achieved when world south cooperation is strong. We have to see that momentum proceed in Dubai,” he stated.
Lorraine Chiponda, coordinator of Africa Local weather Motion-of-Actions, famous that Africa has the potential to steer the world in renewable power, demonstrating that clear improvement is achievable with out exacerbating the local weather disaster.
“Boasting extra wind, photo voltaic, and geothermal sources than every other area, Africa is uniquely positioned. But, many African nations nonetheless cling to fossil fuels, risking a polluted and threatening future. Internet hosting COP28 in a significant oil-producing nation can be apt, marking the top of fossil gas enlargement and heralding a future fuelled by clear power.”