Young climate activists from African nations have high demands for the UN climate conference which begins Sunday in the Egyptian coastal resort of Sharm el Sheikh, Associated Press reported.
Observers and organizers of the COP27 summit have made much of its location, branding the conference as an “African COP” where the positions of African countries on issues like finance for adapting to climate change or moving to renewable energy sources will be central to the talks.
“For COP27 to be the ‘African COP’, the needs, voices, and priorities of the African people need to be reflected in the outcome of the negotiations,” Kenyan climate activist Elizabeth Wathuti told The Associated Press. “COP27 is a chance to bring justice to the most impacted countries through global solidarity and cooperation.”
Analysts point to sticking points between richer and poorer nations, such as questions around whether vulnerable countries should receive compensation for climate-related catastrophes, known as “loss and damage” in climate negotiations, as hindering progress at previous summits.
Some youth activists, like Wathuti, say that the continent should be looking to rich nations for massive emissions cuts and for compensation for loss and damage caused by climate catastrophes. Africa is responsible for only 3 percent to four percent of global emissions despite having 17 percent of the world’s population but it is more vulnerable than most places as many people, especially those outside urban centers, are less able to adapt.
“Financial delivery is fundamental to enable the development of Africa,” Wathuti said. “The African population is growing rapidly and securing energy for people will be crucial to combat poverty and create opportunities for a higher quality of life.”
Others say African countries need to look inward as developed nations have failed to keep their promises.
Hounaidat Abdouroihamane, an activist from the Comoros Islands said Africa should stop relying on developed countries for funding.
“Why should we beg the polluters for answers and money when we know so well they will not provide it and if they do, it will be in the form of a loan?” asked Abdouroihamane, adding the continent should “put in adaptation measures that are easy and less costly to implement” such as better management of water resources and reforesting and restoring land.
Developed nations have already failed to fulfill pledges on climate change funding, including a $100 billion-a-year pledge that is two years past its deadline and hasn’t yet been fulfilled.
Wathuti said that the negotiations should be about “accountability” and hoped the conference will address the “delivery of promises made but not met.”
Ugandan activist Vanessa Nakate agreed that financing from developed countries was central for the continent to achieve its aims.
“The $100 billion promised is no longer enough. There needs to be additional finance,” Nakate told the AP, adding there needs to be a separate fund for loss and damage.
