During the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, held on November 11, 2024, the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) on Climate Change unequivocally asserted its commitment to prioritizing adaptation and climate finance. This important event has garnered significant interest, especially as the theme of the conference, “Solidarity for a Green World,” resonates deeply with the challenges facing Africa's 1.4 billion inhabitants.
Ali Mohamed, the Chair of the AGN, emphasized the group’s responsibility to advocate fiercely for Africa's needs during the discussions. “We are here, representing the aspirations of 1.4 billion Africans, and we will not fail,” declared Ambassador Mohamed. The urgency of addressing climate change on the continent cannot be overstated, especially as African nations grapple with the compounded effects of climate-induced disasters.
The AGN has set its eyes on securing $1.3 trillion annually as the minimum requirement for climate finance. Mohamed pointed out the inadequacies of current frameworks, stating these significantly underestimate what developing nations need to effectively implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). "The New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate finance must align with actual transition costs faced by developing nations," he stressed.
For many African countries, adaptation is intricately linked to development needs. This approach means focusing on sustainable agriculture, improving resilient water infrastructure, and ensuring universal health coverage as the continent battles increased disease burdens driven by climate change. Mohamed elaborated, explaining, “We are not treating our development needs as separate from climate adaptation, which is pivotal across all sectors.”
The powerful call for enhanced financing also underscored the need for unconventional funding methodologies. Traditional market-rate financing has fallen short, prompting calls for the use of concessional instruments and grants. "We believe it’s about time for the health sector’s inclusion within the UNFCCC space, structured appropriately,” he remarked, indicating the interconnectedness of climate finance and health.
Aside from adaptation and finance, other pressing topics for the AGN include the recognition of Africa's special circumstances under the Paris Agreement. They seek to address the disproportionate vulnerability experienced by the continent - where emissions account for only 4% of the global total, yet it bears the brunt of climate impacts evident across agriculture, energy, and health.
Other focus areas include pushing for the Just Transition work programme to reflect the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC). This principle demands acknowledgment of the uneven climate responsibilities of various countries. The AGN has also championed the operationalization of the fund dedicated to Loss and Damage, aimed at supporting African nations as they navigate the enduring impacts of climate change.
Yet, the ambitions of African negotiators aren't met without its challenges, especially when it pertains to garnering support from the wealthier nations at COP29. Closing statements from COP29 will reveal whether the AGN's efforts yield the desired commitments to financing climate adaptation and mitigation across Africa.
Meanwhile, as discussions progress, certain reports spotlight the urgent need for concerted action on loss and damage funding, emphasizing it as one of the key topics on the agenda. The interactions will dictate not just Africa's future, but the global response to climate challenges as well. The outcomes of COP29 could very well set the stage for decisive action or continued stagnation.
On another front, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) also highlighted its responsibility to assist member states with adapting to climate change. ESCAP encourages collaboration toward climate-smart agricultural practices and resilient infrastructure which reflects the regional focus on adapting to anticipated climate shocks.
ESCAP's recent initiatives revolve around building knowledge platforms where nations can share best practices and learn from each other’s experiences, especially those related to disaster risk reduction. Through regional cooperation, countries within Asia and the Pacific can strengthen their capacity to address climate change more strategically.
With growing evidence of extreme weather connected to climate change, adapting agricultural practices has proven not only sensible but imperative. Countries are now focusing their efforts toward establishing sustainable agricultural methods, enhancing irrigation, and investing significantly in seedlings and crops resilient to changing climates.
The urgency for climate adaptation is highlighted by numerous studies indicating significant impacts on food security, especially for vulnerable populations. ESCAP's approach includes bolstering strategic investments to support food systems and livelihoods prone to disruptions from climate impacts.
Similarly, fostering resilient cities is also gaining traction across many Asian regions. Urban areas are particularly vulnerable to climate-related events, and ESCAP is guiding governments to implement measures for resilient infrastructure such as upgraded drainage systems and sustainable energy supplies. The organization emphasizes its commitment to ensuring urban planning integrates climate resilience.
Particularly engaging stakeholders from the private sector has emerged as another strategy to move toward climate-adaptive practices. Encouraging businesses to commit to sustainable practices not only contributes to mitigation efforts but sparks innovative solutions suited to regional adaptations.
“Collaboration across sectors and levels is key to effectively addressing climate adaptation challenges, and sharing knowledge is invaluable,” stated one expert participant during the recent ESCAP summit. This recognition of partnership as fundamental to climate resilience speaks volumes about the collective spirit required to confront the climate crisis.
At the heart of several discussions within Asia’s circles is the urgency to blend economic growth with climate resilience. Ensuring equitable access to climate finance is touted as one of the most pressing necessities for effective adaptations. Without appropriate funding and support, regions most impacted by climate effects are at risk of backsliding on sustainable development goals.
All eyes will remain on both COP29 and the initiatives stemming from ESCAP as the world watches and waits to see if meaningful commitments will translate to tangible outcomes. The stakes are high, as failure to adapt to these looming climate threats may set off far-reaching consequences far beyond regional borders.
Climate adaptation and mitigation strategies crafted from events such as COP29 may very well pave the path toward securing not just the future of Africa and Asia, but the wellbeing of our shared planet as well.
The dialogue around climate resilience is changing, and it’s clear both Africa and Asia are stepping up to define their futures against this shared enemy—climate change. Their strategies, ambitions, and leadership at international forums like COP29 promise to shape the global climate agenda for years to come.
