Africa faces a staggering $2.5trn climate financing gap by 2030. African leaders demand renewed commitments to the Paris Agreement that seeks to limit global warming to 1.5°C and money from developed countries that have historically been the world’s biggest polluters.
The continent accounts for about 4% of greenhouse gas emissions and has contributed only a negligible amount of carbon dioxide that is warming the planet’s atmosphere. But climate change is not just an environmental problem.
It can also contribute to conflict, for example when changing rainfall patterns make land less arable in areas where farmers compete for water and land. Well aware of these risks, the African Union (AU) is working to finalise a Common African Position on Climate, Peace and Security, a consensus document endorsed by the 55 member states.
Although not legally binding, a common position benefits from lengthy diplomatic negotiations and African states can use it to advocate for important issues globally. The AU should adopt this powerful statement at its annual summit in February 2025 and coordinate with climate negotiators to ensure that climate resilience is a key part of Africa’s climate change agenda.
Source: The African Report
