African negotiators have met in the run up to COP28 to confront the pressing climate issues facing their continent.
Delegates from nations across Africa met in Nairobi last week to address a number of pressing challenges, including impacts on health, agriculture, water and biodiversity.
Pre-COP Hustle
The impacts of climate change are already hitting Africa hard. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and extreme weather events are a daily reality for many across the continent. The urgency is palpable. With this in mind, the delegates came together to discuss and shape their continent’s response to the climate crisis.
The decisions made by African negotiators at these meetings can shape the COP agenda. Negotiators, stakeholders and government officials coordinate their positions and strategies, iron out differences and align their goals, helping to make COP itself more effective.
And Africa has much to teach the rest of the world. The continent is not just a victim of climate change, but a beacon of resilience. From indigenous knowledge to grassroots innovations, the continent is home to inspiring stories of communities battling adversity. African negotiators aim to amplify these stories and use them to educate others on adapting to climate change.
Priorities on the table
- Climate adaptation: Africa bears the brunt of climate impacts, from extreme weather events to shifting agricultural patterns. African negotiators are focused on bolstering resilience to ensure communities can weather the storm, quite literally.
- Green energy revolution: The sun-soaked continent is keen to harness its abundant renewable energy potential. African nations are putting their weight behind solar and wind power to combat energy poverty and reduce carbon emissions.
- Climate finance: African negotiators are pushing for equitable financial support to fund climate initiatives. They want a fair share of climate finance, ensuring no-one is left behind in the race against climate change.
- Capacity building: It’s not just about asking for help; it’s about building local expertise. Africa wants to empower its people with the knowledge and tools to tackle climate challenges head-on.
- Nature-based solutions: Nature is Africa’s best friend in this fight. Conservation, reforestation and sustainable land use are high on the agenda. They’re not just carbon sinks; they’re life-support systems for the continent.
- Collaborative diplomacy: Climate change is a team sport, and African negotiators are keen to foster partnerships. They understand that they can bring about real change through unity.
