The 28th United Nations Conference of Parties (COP28) concluded in Dubai announcing a historical agreement after almost three decades. For the first time, the198 member countries came to a consensus for a transition away from fossil fuels. The negotiations had run into an impasse on the issue of phasing out of fossil fuels. After several rounds of hard negotiations, a new deal finally arrived on December 13th, a big breakthrough recognising the urgent need to limit temperature rises to 1.5C.
But what is there specifically for Africa in the deal? Climate deals are of paramount importance to Africa. The continent that has contributed the least to global emissions has suffered the most due to climate change. Extreme drought, soaring temperatures, land degradation, flooding, coastal erosion, desertification, and changes in rainfall patterns caused by climate change have ravaged and shattered Africa’s socioeconomic growth.
Political scientists believe that Africa gained from its strong position in the negotiations at COP28 and demonstrated Africa’s skills in tough negotiation and climate diplomacy. Experts say, Africa came well prepared and spoke in a united voice. The African Common Position on Climate Change for COP28 clearly articulated the African position and expectations. The main priorities included Climate finance, Global stock take, Strengthening adaptation actions, Operationalization of the Loss and Damage fund, Just energy transition, and the special needs and circumstances status.
The COP 28 Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Systems, and Climate Action has the potential to boost African agriculture and food systems. The objective is to transform the food system into a food-secure but decarbonised system. A financial commitment of US $ 7.1 billion is already in place.
Another useful outcome of the Summit is the COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health. A US1 billion funding was announced towards supporting health systems to cope with climate change-induced illness. Africa’s disease burden has worsened due to climate change, and this fund could be useful for Africa.
COP 28 urges for a rapid transition from Fossil fuels. To move away from its fossil fuel wealth of oil, gas, and coal and usher in greener fuel sources like wind and solar needed investment of trillions of dollars. Africa’s efforts to build new green infrastructure got a boost when the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa received a commitment of around $ 175 million from Germany, France, Japan, and African and global institutions.
Africa had strongly pitched for affordable finance. A major share of the climate finance was granted as loans to countries that are already in deep debt and battered by climate disasters. Due to the high cost of capital, the climate funds could not be used for projects in renewable energy. The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) indicates that the power sector alone will require investment of at least $2 trillion by 2050. Given the urgency to treble investment in renewables and the requirement for new carbon-cutting plans, African leaders have put forward a justifiable demand for cancellation of Africa’s debt by global institutions and rich nations.
As far as Africa is concerned, the approval of a climate disaster “loss and damage fund” is the most positive outcome of COP 28. Tabled in the COP 27 in Egypt, the proposed fund is meant to support vulnerable countries from climate disasters. However, there was disappointment about the commitment by developed countries amounting to a total of USD 700 million in sharp contrast to developing countries’ request for at least $100bn funds—clarity on how much money, who will put it, what kind of damages, etc are still unclear.
To drive green growth, Africa has to get more involved in the energy transition by promoting active participation of the private sector. The continent has abundant renewable energy resources, accounting for 40% of global solar power. The region is endowed with huge potential for geothermal, hydro, and wind power.
While continuing its assertive yet diplomatic stature, Africa must consolidate and build on the gains from COP 28. Developing its capacity to access climate finance opportunities and adopting sound environmental governance is crucial for converting this diplomatic victory into tangible benefits.
