Africa suffers disproportionately from climate change – report

Africa is responsible for only a fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions but is suffering disproportionately from climate change. This is harming food security, ecosystems and economies, fueling displacement and migration and worsening the threat of conflict over dwindling resources, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

 

The State of the Climate in Africa 2022 report shows that the rate of temperature increase in Africa has accelerated in recent decades, with weather- and climate-related hazards becoming more severe. And yet financing for climate adaptation is only a drop in the ocean of what is needed.

 

More than 110 million people on the continent were directly affected by weather, climate and water-related hazards in 2022, causing more than US$ 8.5 billion in economic damages. There were a reported 5 000 fatalities, of which 48% were associated with drought and 43% were associated with flooding, according to the Emergency Event Database. But the true toll is likely to be much higher because of under-reporting.

 

“Africa is responsible for less than 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. But it is the continent which is the least able to cope with the negative impacts of climate change. Heatwaves, heavy rains, floods, tropical cyclones, and prolonged droughts are having devastating impacts on communities and economies, with increasing numbers of people at risk,” said WMO Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas.

 

“There are big gaps in weather observations in Africa and early warning services are woefully adequate. We are determined to close those gaps and ensure that life-saving early warnings reach everyone,” he said.

 

The report, produced jointly with the African Union Commission and Africa Climate Policy Centre of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), was released during the Africa Climate Summit, which also saw the launch of the Early Warnings For All in Africa Action Plan. Kenya, which is hosting the summit, also released its State of the Climate in Kenya in 2022 report.

 

“Africa, like other regions, has come to terms with the reality that climate change is already happening. Left untamed, the coming decades and years would easily be characterized by severe climate-induced pressure on the continent’s economies, livelihoods and nature,” says H.E. Ambassador Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission.

 

“Given Africa’s high exposure, fragility and low adaptive capacity, the effects of climate change are expected to be felt more severely. People’s health, peace, prosperity, infrastructure, and other economic activities across many sectors in Africa are exposed to significant risks associated with climate change,” she writes in the report.

 

Agriculture is the mainstay of Africa’s livelihoods and national economies – supporting more

than 55% of the labor force. But its agricultural productivity growth has declined by 34% since 1961 due to climate change. This decline is the highest compared to what other regions of the world have experienced.

 

Projected annual food imports by African countries are expected to increase by about a factor of three, from US$ 35 billion to US$ 110 billion by 2025.

 

The level of loss and damage, and therefore the costs incurred, will depend on many factors, including the level of ambition of global mitigation actions and the level of investment in adaptation at the local level. In a 4 °C warming world, with strong regional adaptation, “residual damages” costs equivalent to 3% of Africa’s projected gross domestic product could be incurred annually by 2080.

 

The loss and damage costs in Africa due to climate change are projected to range between US$ 290 billion and US$ 440 billion, depending on the degree of warming, according to the UNECA’s African Climate Policy Centre.

 

Climate change and the diminishing natural resource base could fuel conflicts for scarce productive land, water, and pastures, where farmer-herder violence has increased over the past 10 years due to growing land pressure, with geographic concentrations in many sub-Saharan countries, according to the report.

 

The report, with an accompanying story map, is the result of a multi-agency effort. It includes input from the African Union Commission, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, and contributions from African National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, WMO Regional Climate Centres, specialized United Nations agencies, the African Development Bank, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, and numerous experts and scientists.

 

Key messages

 

Temperature: The average rate of warming in Africa was +0.3 °C/decade during the 1991–2022 period, compared to +0.2 °C/decade between 1961 and 1990. This is slightly above the global average. The warming has been most rapid in North Africa, which was gripped by extreme heat, fuelling wildfires in Algeria and Tunisia in 2022.

 

Rainfall: The Horn of Africa faced its worst drought in 40 years, with Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia particularly hard hit. The “triple-dip” La Niña was a substantial contributor. Five consecutive failed rainfall seasons reduced agricultural productivity and food security. In Somalia, almost 1.2 million people became internally displaced by the catastrophic impacts of drought on pastoral and farming livelihoods and hunger during the year. A further 512 000 internal displacements associated with drought were recorded in Ethiopia.

 

Many parts of the Sahel experienced significant flooding during the monsoon season, with Nigeria, Niger, Chad and the southern half of Sudan particularly affected.

 

Tropical Cyclones: The South Indian Ocean experienced an active tropical cyclone season despite an unusually late start. The Southern Africa region was hit by a series of tropical cyclones and tropical storms in the first months of 2022, leading to flooding and population displacement. There was little time for recovery between shocks in nations like Madagascar.

 

Sea-level rise: The rate of coastal sea-level rise in Africa is similar to the global mean value of 3.4 mm/year. It is, however, slightly higher than the global mean along the Red Sea (3.7 mm/year) and along the western Indian Ocean (3.6 mm/year).

 

Climate Adaptation: Per capita emissions of carbon dioxide in Africa in 2021 were 1.04 metric tons per person, compared with the global average of 4.69 metric tons per person.

 

More than 50 African countries have now submitted their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Agriculture and food security, water, disaster risk reduction, and health are the top priorities for adaptation.

 

Implementing Africa’s NDCs will require up to US$ 2.8 trillion between 2020 and 2030. The African Development Bank (AfDB) has doubled its climate finance to US$ 25 billion by 2025 and devoted 67% of its climate finance to adaptation, in addition to its effort to raise up to US$ 13 billion for its Africa Development Fund.

Africa Climate Week 2023: Charting a fresh course for Climate Action

The Africa Climate Week 2023 (ACW) welcomes policymakers, practitioners, business and civil society representatives from 4 to 8 September 2023 in Nairobi, in parallel to the Africa Climate Summit on 4-6 September, both hosted by the Government of Kenya.

As the world grapples with the urgent challenges posed by climate change, ACW will address this pressing crisis through cooperation and forward-thinking initiatives to drive transformative change.

ACW will also build momentum towards positive and impactful outcomes at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

 

COP28 will mark the conclusion of the first Global Stocktake, an opportunity to critically assess where the world stands on climate action and to chart the course forward through increased ambition and action to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Scaling up climate finance, adaptation support and operationalizing the fund for loss and damage will also be key priorities in the UAE.

"In the face of the profound challenges posed by climate change in Africa, we stand unwavering in our commitment to confront this existential threat to all of humanity," said President William Ruto of Kenya. "Africa’s abundance of wind and solar energy can power our development, creating jobs, protecting local economies, and accelerating the sustainable industrialization of the continent. But for us to lead the way toward a sustainable and prosperous future for our continent and the world, finance and technology must be provided to our developing countries. As we come together at the Africa Climate Summit and the Africa Climate Week, we aim to weave a single, resounding African voice that will carry the outcomes of these crucial events to COP28 and beyond."

While Africa’s per capita emissions are significantly lower than the global average, the continent is disproportionately affected by rising global temperatures and escalating climate consequences. Drought, desertification, and cyclones, among others, are causing food shortages, displacement, and migration.

At the same time, the continent is rich in resources like renewable energy, minerals, agriculture, and natural capital, standing ready to drive its own green growth.

"Africa accounts for just four percent of global emissions. Yet it suffers some of the worst effects of rising global temperatures: The people of Africa — and people everywhere — need action to respond to deadly climate extremes. I’m convinced that Africa can be at the heart of a renewable future. Now is the time for all countries to stand as one in defence of our only home," said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

African countries have the potential to be the frontrunners in renewable energy, sustainable land use and innovative technologies, attracting investment, facilitating technology transfer, and positioning African nations as leaders in the global transition to green development.

Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, said: "The world is asking a lot: Develop, but don’t do it in the carbon intensive way that we did. It is a global responsibility to collectively work out how we do that. And that’s exactly what we’re here to do. So that African nations can come to COP28 leading in action and ambition. The discussions taking place here will inform the global stocktake about the challenges, barriers, solutions and opportunities for climate action and support within the context of Africa. The UNFCCC Secretariat can work with you to identify the solutions to attain those opportunities."

The Africa Climate Week provides a timely opportunity ahead of COP28 for regional stakeholders to exchange on barriers overcome and opportunities realized in different countries, showcasing how Africa's industrial growth can be aligned with the climate goals of the Paris Agreement and drive economic progress while curbing environmental impacts.

"Africa Climate Week must be the place where we accelerate climate action across the African continent and finance a just transition to a climate-resilient future – a transition that empowers Africa to take control of its own destiny and become a green leader and economic powerhouse," said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme.

Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UN Development Programme, stressed: "Climate change is reshaping economies and impacting lives and livelihoods. The Africa Climate Week will show the implications of climate change for Africa, but also the solutions emerging from across the continent. Enhanced collaboration can drive progress by integrating climate considerations into economic and development planning, ensuring inclusive, sustainable growth through low-emissions pathways."

Opportunities abound for strengthened cooperation across African borders, sectors, and disciplines, but effective climate action requires active engagement from all sectors. Governments and multilateral institutions hold central roles, yet civil society, academia, local communities, and the private sector are crucial contributors as well.

"The Africa climate story is about solutions for sustainable growth, and about innovation and opportunities to bring people out of poverty," said Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director of the World Bank. "Clean energy is key to this story. It lifts underserved communities; powers businesses, schools and hospitals; and creates jobs for young Africans. There is much to be done to get financing flowing and help countries leapfrog to low-carbon and clean energy opportunities. Africa is part of the new climate economy in action."

ACW will amplify the voices of Parties from the African continent, bringing their collective voice to the negotiation table at COP28 and pushing for positive outcomes that drive meaningful shifts on both regional and global scales.

ACW is the first of four Regional Climate Weeks in 2023. The events provide a platform for governments, businesses, practitioners, and civil society to showcase ongoing projects, policies, and practices that are already effecting positive change, inspiring others to follow suit.

 

Africa Climate Summit: Activists and frontline communities call for genuine climate leadership

As the Africa Climate Summit begins in Nairobi this week, grassroots groups and climate activists from across the continent will be holding African leaders to account to deliver concrete climate action and plans to address the continent’s pressing needs. 

 

It has been estimated that the African continent loses up to 15% of its GDP per capita annually due to the impacts of climate change.

 

But Africa is home to some of the fastest growing economies in the world and the continent also has vast potential for renewable energy growth.

 

However, it is clear that finance is vital for Africa to sustain long-term economic growth and for the continent to transition out of a fossil fuel economy and into renewable growth. 

 

“We are calling on African governments to prioritize the needs of the African people and deliver adequate measures to address the climate crisis, energy poverty and interlinked challenges.

 

“African nations need to prioritize green renewable energy targets rooted in justice over fossil fuels and false solutions and push for substantial global investments to support the clean energy transition in Africa,” said Charity Migwi, Regional Campaigner, 350Africa.org.

 

Climate activists are also appealing to African leaders to hold developing nations historically responsible for the climate crisis accountable to scale up financing for robust mitigation and adaptation measures.

 

Estimates indicate a significant shortfall of climate financing that flows into Africa as compared to the financing needs of the continent to achieve its nationally determined contributions (NDCs).

 

According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), Africa needs $1.6trillion between 2022 and 2030 to achieve its nationally determined contributions, however, the total financing flows in 2020 for Africa amounted to only USD 30 billion.

 

“As Africans, we need to plant seeds of change that ignite a green legacy for generations to come, that alleviates energy poverty while addressing the climate crisis. It is crucial that we address the key barriers facing renewable energy in Africa and facilitate the widespread deployment of renewable energy rooted in justice.

 

“The summit offers a chance for African nations to jointly devise measures to bolster clean energy goals across the region and set the stage for ambitious global renewable energy targets,” said Patricia Bekoe, Climate activist with 350 Ghana.

 

Ahead of other regional climate summits and the COP 28 UN climate talks, the Africa Climate Summit is seen as an opportunity for Africa to offer leadership and set the stage for climate action that prioritizes the communities at the frontlines of the climate crisis, more so on the most climate-vulnerable continent – Africa. 

 

"The African Climate Summit could provide the platform needed for the continent to dramatically shift its trajectory and future – from one that is set to bear the brunt of climate collapse, to one of energy-security and prosperity driven by decentralised and people-centred renewables.

 

“Going into this Summit, we are calling on African leaders to embrace the interests and will of the people and in doing so, we would expect them to throw their weight behind renewables and push for the redirection of financing to renewable energy," said Zaki Mamdoo, Climate activist and Coordinator of Stop EACOP Coalition.

 

By Kofi Adu Domfeh

 

 

African Group of Negotiators asked to remain committed to the continent’s climate agenda

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Soipan Tuya has implored the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) to remain committed in its role as a technical advisory body to policy makers on climate change multilateral processes.

Addressing the AGN Lead Coordinators in Nairobi, Kenya, ahead of the African Climate Summit (ACS), she emphasised the importance of the AGN to all on-going climate processes at all levels.

She encouraged the group to remain resolute in its work and ensure that Africa gets the best from the climate multilateral processes. 

“It is gratifying to note that you deliberately decided to come and have your meeting in Nairobi so that you are available to support the Africa Climate Summit,” said Soipan Tuya. “As AGN, you are our kitchen and engine room in these processes. We value your technical expertise and your work in the climate multilateral processes. Your role to the CAHOSCC and all the solid support you give us as policy makers is vital and cannot be underestimated.”

ACS, to be co-hosted by Kenya and the African Union Commission (AUC) in Nairobi from 4-6 September 2023, will be held under the theme: “Green Growth and Climate finance for Africa and the World.”

The meeting is envisaged to ensure Africa’s voice is elevated globally and integrated into existing international fora such as United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), G7/G20 processes and COP 28 among others. 

The summit will be held concurrently with the Africa Climate Week (4-8 September 2023), an annual United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) led event to promote actions that allow to course-correct and achieve the Paris Agreement goals and objectives.

The meeting is expected to bring together leaders from Africa and beyond; development partners; intergovernmental organisations; private sector; academia; civil society organisations; women and youth to design and catalyse actions and solutions for climate change in Africa by providing a platform to deliberate on the nexus between climate change, Africa’s development reality, and the need to push for increased investment in climate action globally, and specifically in Africa.

“As Africans, we recognise the importance of all the processes that have been going on, but we are at a point where we need to look for additional ways of supporting ourselves to meet the desired economic aspirations amid the climate crisis. We need to scale up action and reshape our thinking on how to deal with this challenge that we are facing,” observed Kenya’s Environment Minister.

She clarified that the summit was not aimed at replacing the on-going climate multilateral processes but rather strengthen Africa’s participation as a key player and showcase that despite the continent’s vulnerability to climate change impacts, there are immense opportunities for investment and growth that the world must acknowledge.

“We contribute very little but the most impacted. However, the summit is here to showcase that despite our vulnerability, we have immense opportunities for investment and growth that the world must acknowledge. The summit is not here to replace the AGN or any other climate multilateral processes. The summit cannot be here without the AGN as AGN is our engine for climate processes. Be rest assured of your continued role and expertise in these processes,” concluded Soipan Tuya.

AGN Chair, Ephraim Mwepya Shitima, pledged AGN’s unwavering support to the summit and the expected outcomes as the group prepares for COP28.

“We remain at your disposal as experts; we remain committed to Africa’s cause in these processes,” said Shitima.

Summit overarching objective

Africa is believed to be the continent of the future. As the youngest and fastest urbanizing continent with a population set to double to 2.5 billion by 2050, Africa has immense potential in clean energy, arable land, critical minerals, and natural resources. 

While the continent is already demonstrating strong momentum in driving green growth, it needs to capitalise on this existing momentum by (a) driving a holistic Green Growth Agenda that takes advantage of its vast resources, and (b) securing Climate Finance tailored to Africa’s needs to achieve its growth ambitions.

Africa’s renewables potential will be fifty times the global anticipated electricity demand in 2040.

However, renewable energy accounts for 10% of electricity generation mix, and only 20% of the total installed electricity generation capacity in Africa. 

Whereas Africa is home to 30-40% of the world's minerals - including those needed for green energy transition/batteries (e.g.,over 40% of global reserves of cobalt, manganese, and platinum), the continent has little to show for in terms of clean energy and mobility. 

Similarly, while Africa has 60% of the world’s remaining uncultivated arable land, that, when sustainably exploited can help the world attain food security, the continent is a net importer of food. 

The summit is thus looking to address the need to change Africa’s narrative on climate change to be a growth agenda by harnessing opportunities that exist for economic transformation. 

By Kofi Adu Domfeh

AGN Lead Coordinators meet ahead of African Climate Summit

Lead Coordinators of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) are meeting in Nairobi ahead of the African Climate Summit (ACS) to deliberate on key issues in relation to the continent’s interests and expectations for COP28.

 

In addition to the African common position on the various climate thematic negotiating streams, the AGN Lead Coordinators are also deliberating on the Nairobi Declaration, a key outcome document expected at the end of the Summit.

 

Speaking during the opening session of the meeting, AGN Chair, Ephraim Mwepya Shitima, urged the Lead Coordinators to continue playing their “critical role as technical advisors to policy makers on Africa’s effective participation in the global climate negotiations in relation to the continent’s development realities and aspirations.”

 

The inaugural Summit, holding from 4-6 September, 2023, is under the theme: “Green Growth and Climate finance for Africa and the World”. It is envisaged to ensure Africa’s voice is elevated globally and integrated into existing international fora such as United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), G7/G20 processes and COP 28 among others.

 

Gracing the AGN Lead Coordinators meeting, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Regional Office Director for Africa, Rose Mwebaza appreciated the AGN’s role over the years, to Africa’s effective participation in the climate processes and urged the group to remain focused.

 

“I am particularly delighted to be with you not only in my new capacity here at UNEP, heading the Africa regional office but also as one of you, having been an active participant in the climate change negotiation processes for the past 20 years,” said Mwebaza. “I believe these are exciting times as the continent prepares to host the inaugural Africa Climate Summit. As technical negotiators, I urge you to remain focused and provide the necessary guidance in relation to the continent’s development needs.”

 

The Summit will be held concurrently with the Africa Climate Week – 4-8 September – an annual United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)-led event to promote actions that allow to course-correct and achieve the Paris Agreement goals and objectives.

 

The meeting is expected to bring together leaders from Africa and beyond; development partners, intergovernmental organisations, private sector, academia, civil society organisations, women and youth to design and catalyse actions and solutions for climate change in Africa by providing a platform to deliberate on the nexus between climate change, Africa’s development reality, and the need to push for increased investment in climate action globally, and specifically in Africa.

 

Opportunity for Africa

As the youngest and fastest urbanizing continent with a population set to double to 2.5 billion by 2050, Africa has immense potential in clean energy, arable land, critical minerals, and natural resources.

 

While the continent is already demonstrating strong momentum in driving green growth, it is needs to capitalise on this existing momentum by (a) driving a holistic Green Growth Agenda that takes advantage of its vast resources, and (b) securing Climate Finance tailored to Africa’s needs to achieve its growth ambitions.

 

Africa’s renewables potential will be fifty times the global anticipated electricity demand in 2040. However, renewable energy accounts for 10% of electricity generation mix, and only 20% of the total installed electricity generation capacity in Africa.

 

Whereas Africa is home to 30-40% of the world's minerals - including those needed for green energy transition/batteries – over 40% of global reserves of cobalt, manganese, and platinum – the continent has little to show for in terms of clean energy and mobility.

 

Similarly, while Africa has 60% of the world’s remaining uncultivated arable land, that, when sustainably exploited can help the world attain food security, the continent is a net importer of food. The summit is thus looking to address the need to change Africa’s narrative on climate change to be a growth agenda by harnessing opportunities that exist for economic transformation.

 

This Agenda of ACS will focus on 5 core growth thrusts: energy transition/renewable energy, green minerals and manufacturing, sustainable agriculture, land and water/ ocean use, sustainable infrastructure and urbanization, and natural capital supported by two important cross-cutting levers – Adaptation and resilience to climate risk and Climate finance and Carbon Credits.

 

The outputs from the Summit will also aim to provide important input and direction to the ongoing work on global financial institution reforms to support such a growth agenda with corresponding shifts in their own pathways.

 

 

African Climate Summit: Scaling up renewable energy for green growth

Africa has its own challenges, but the continent holds massive potential to contribute to global climate action with its clean energy sources, critical minerals, agricultural capacity, and natural capital. 

 

Africa holds over 40% of global reserves of cobalt, manganese and platinum and is home to 60% of the best solar resources globally. Already, solar is said to be the cheapest source of power in many parts of the continent, while 80% of new power generation capacity is renewables.

 

There is a unified African voice led by the President of Kenya, Dr. William Ruto that the continent is ready to provide leadership and work towards global efforts to decarbonise. 

 

“We therefore have an opportunity to lead the world and show that we can industrialise and prosper – and achieve this in a low carbon and sustainable manner, and make this century, African Century,” he said while addressing the 36th ordinary session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union. 

 

Unfortunately, renewable energy investment in Africa is lagging behind and funds are needed for Africa to unlock green growth opportunities. In 2022, the continent only received a paltry 0.8 percent of the $495 billion invested in renewables globally. 

 

“We have an abundance of clean, renewable energy and it's vital that we use this to power our future prosperity. But to unlock it, Africa needs funding from countries that have got rich off our suffering. They owe a climate debt. But climate change in Africa is more than just solar panels,” said Mohamed Adow, Director of energy and climate think-tank, Power Shift Africa.

 

The Africa Climate summit is calling for ambitious investments in renewable energy. Currently, Africa needs $133 billion every year in clean energy investment to meet its energy and climate goals between 2026 and 2030.

 

"The renewable energy industry is committed to scaling up the total global capacity to at least 11,000 GW by 2030. Unfortunately, renewable energy investment in Africa is lagging behind. Let us harness the potential of renewable energy in Africa not just for the climate but as a socioeconomic catalyst, for energy security, access and community empowerment towards a sustainable and prosperous continent," said Bruce Douglas, CEO of the Global Renewable Alliance.

 

Proposed funding approaches championed by President Ruto who is the Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) include:

 

1.   A global effort to raise the necessary funds for climate action-targeted taxes, removal of fossil fuel subsidies, and a global fossil fuel tax. 

2.   A global treaty should be established to ensure collective action and effective allocation of funds.

3.   Collective efforts by all stakeholders including governments, multilateral institutions, private sector, civil society, philanthropic institutions and local communities to deliver climate action and build sustainable future.

4.   Representation of Africa in major climate diplomacy events globally.

 

Africa can achieve its sustainable development goals by investing in RE. However, a focus on fossil fuels will see the continent lag behind everyone else as the world begins to switch off fossil fuels to go clean.

 

Data shows that renewable energy creates two to five times more jobs than fossil fuels per dollar invested. Other green economy investments like agriculture, climate adaptation and public transit provide five to 25 times more jobs. 

 

The Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya from 4-6 September, offers the best opportunity to discuss ways to boost investments that will help communities on the climate frontline to adjust effectively.

 

This meeting should emphasise ways of ensuring communities can live in dignity and to thrive.

 

According to Dr. Olumide Abimbola, Founder and Director of Africa Policy Research Institute, “Africa has much of the minerals that the world requires to power the green transition. What we are seeing is that African governments are looking for ways to make sure that these minerals are not just exported out of the continent, but that value addition happens on the continent, that the minerals power national and regional industrialisation processes.

 

“I am hoping that we see this message come out strongly during the African Climate Summit. But beyond that, I am hoping to see deeper discussions regarding concrete plans for how to make this happen – and the roles that external actors can play here.”

 

By Kofi Adu Domfeh

African Climate Summit: What to expect on Adaptation

The upcoming African Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, is expected to provide an opportunity for African leaders to support big ideas that drive climate resilience, adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Many stakeholders are keen to see solutions and action-oriented goals laid out in the Nairobi Declaration which is scheduled to be adopted on the final day of the summit on September 6.  

Africa is presently facing some of the worst climate consequences ranging from drought and desertification to floods and frequency of cyclones in countries like Mozambique and Malawi, which saw half a million people displaced and 500 killed by floods and landslides in March of 2023.

The Africa Development Bank (AfDB) estimates that the increasingly frequent climate-related disasters are costing countries between $7 billion to $15 billion a year, with an estimated projection of these losses rising to $50 billion annually by 2030. 

To adapt, African countries need to raise $124 billion annually by 2030, but the current situation is that the continent only receives $28 billion a year. Africa is not adapting fast enough and is not adequately prepared to address the current and projected climate change threats.

The African Climate Summit (ACS) is therefore a key opportunity to highlight the need to prioritise adaptation investment as a development imperative not only for Africa, but the world. 

“Discussions on adaptation finance must be prioritised. Africa is home to most people grappling with the weight of climate change, especially smallholder farmers. It is, therefore, time to bridge the gap between the urgency of the needs and the disparity in climate financing,” said Mwandwe Chileshe, Global Policy Lead for Food Security and Agriculture at Global Citizen. “Discussions at the summit must also focus on the urgency to reform food systems. This summit must mark the beginning of a unified drive towards sustainable solutions that safeguard both our environment and our livelihoods.”

With the ACS being a key moment that will lay the ground for COP28 in UAE, there is anticipation that the continent must see more commitments towards the delivery of the $100bn funding target and more support from Multilateral Development Banks for climate adaptation. 

For example, an estimated $630 billion of private capital per year is available for investment in food systems. Building on the Paris Summit, Africa needs a commitment from both governments and the public sector to mobilise funds for the huge shortfall in climate finance required for agriculture. 

There is expectation for the Summit to underlie the need to recognise and support the critical role played by Africa’s smallholder farmers -the backbone of Africa’s agriculture sector- towards realising food sovereignty for the continent.

“With the global food crisis continuing to impact millions in Africa, it is imperative that our approach to the challenge transcends mitigation. At the Africa Climate Summit, we need a discourse that gives precedence to climate adaptation.

“This discussion should be focused on communities most impacted by climate change. This entails not just recognising their suffering, but also driving substantial funding towards helping them to adapt to the changing world. The discussion must also have special focus on smallholder farmers as a critical group,” noted Chilufya Chileshe, food policy expert at SDG2 Advocacy Hub.

ACS to build on road to COP28

The African Climate Summit is expected to address four issues on adaptation to build on going into COP28.

1.   Reforming finance to enable post-disaster reconstruction.

2.   Strengthening African Adaptation Initiative and delivering UNFCCC Loss & Damage Fund- put pressure on rich nations to set up and operationalise the fund sooner.    3.   Financial investments in universal coverage of early warning and early action systems for disaster risk reduction.

4.   With the first Global Stocktake (GST) concluding at Dubai-COP28, the Summit is expected to demonstrate how African and global leaders have unlocked and will operationalise the Global Goals on Adaptation. The GST will be critical to increase ambition for finance and related action post 2025.  

According to Professor Patrick Verkooijen, CEO at Global Center on Adaptation, “Africa is more relevant to future global prosperity than ever before, with its young population, vast renewable energy and mineral resources and large tracts of uncultivated arable land.

“The Africa Climate Summit needs to lay the groundwork for more financial resources to transform climate adaptation and the Sustainable Development Goals into a new growth agenda for the continent.”

By Kofi Adu Domfeh 

 

Climate Action: Why you should be concerned about the Congo Basin

The Congo Basin is the largest forest in Africa and a significantly important carbon storage in the world.

With more than 10,000 plant species in and around the forest, the Basin is referred to as the “green lungs of Africa” – the ecological respiratory organ for the planet.

 

The rainforest of the Congo basin spans over six countries – Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Republic of the Congo – providing food, freshwater, medicine, security and an essential lifeline for local populations and serves as a critical habitat for endangered species.

 

But most critically, preserving the rich ecosystem of the Congo Basin is essential in the global efforts to tackle the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss.

 

The soils and plants of the Congo Basin rainforest store incredible amounts of carbon, preventing it from being emitted into the atmosphere and fueling climate change.

 

Carbon sinks are natural areas such as oceans and forests, which absorb carbon dioxide (Co2) from the atmosphere, helping to curb global warming.

 

The Congo Basin, with its dense tropical peatlands, is estimated to pull around 4% of global Co2 emissions out of the atmosphere each year.

 

 

Threat of land grabbing and industrial agriculture

 

Central Africa's rainforest stood at 178 million hectares in 2005.

 

The African region has lost 65 per cent of its productive land over the last 70 years, whereas the population has grown at least sixfold over the same period.

 

The Congo Basin is increasingly coming under threat due to deforestation, environmental degradation, growing populations, and the impact of climate change.

 

Several international fossil fuel and industrial-scale agriculture developers, mostly in rubber and oil palm plantations and, fueling wide-scale deforestation.

 

The move for land grabbing to exploit Africa’s resources for export has put the Congo Basin under threat. Illegal timber cut in the Basin is exported to the EU, US and China.

 

Unsustainable and illegal logging in the Congo Basin forest is leading to deforestation, destruction of wildlife habitat, diminished resilience to climate change.

 

Forest loss in the Congo Basin increased by 5% in 2021. The Democratic Republic of Congo alone lost nearly 500,000 hectares of primary forest in 2021.

 

The increased loss of biodiversity and threatened species will undermine efforts to protect biodiversity, and of the need to take urgent action to preserve ecosystem services vital to human well-being, including crop pollination, water purification, food security, clean air, flood protection and carbon sequestration.

 

Of the hundreds of mammal species discovered in the Congo Basin so far — including forest elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, and okapis — 39 are found nowhere else on Earth. Of its estimated 10,000 plant species, 3,300 are also unique to the region.

 

Conserving the Basin as climate action

 

The United Nations Environment Assembly recognizes that the Congo Basin peatlands contain a high proportion of organic carbon, making them one of the world's largest carbon sinks, contributing to the mitigation of global climate change.

 

This is in “considering the benefits and values of Congo Basin peatlands, which sequester more than 31 billion tonnes of carbon and provide vital ecosystem functions and services that reduce the magnitude and mitigate the impact of floods and droughts, preserve biodiversity and provide food and water supplies,” emphasized the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN).

 

At the recent AMCEN meeting in Addis Ababa, the African Group of Negotiators was urged to continue working with the COP 28 parties and the presidency to reach further decisions that recognize the special needs and circumstances of Africa and “to intensify regional and international collaboration to promote a multi-stakeholder approach to the conservation and sustainable management of peatlands in the Congo Basin, in line with Brazzaville 2018 declaration; adopted at the third meeting of Global Peatlands Initiative partners”.

 

The leaders also welcomed the initiative of the Republic of Congo to organize the Summit "Amazon - Borneo - Mekong and Southeast Asia - Congo, Summit of the Three Basins of Ecosystems of Biodiversity and Tropical Forests (S3B EBFT)".

 

This is in order to constitute, through the union of the three basins, a global alliance, biodiversity ecosystems and tropical forests, an Alliance/Coalition with a South-South governance, structuring the three global ecosystems that represent 80% of tropical forests around the world, bringing together 2/3 of terrestrial biodiversity and ensuring the vital role of global regulator of carbon balance and life on earth.

 

The three basins are expected to capture 80% of the existing and future financial mobilization announced at COP 27 for climate and COP 15 for biodiversity.

 

By Kofi Adu Domfeh