The city of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, recently hosted a major conference on climate change and development in Africa. During the conference, discussions focused on the disparity between Africa’s minimal contribution to global emissions and the disproportionate impact of climate change on the continent.
Ivory Coast’s Minister of Environment highlighted that while Africa is responsible for less than four percent of global emissions, it disproportionately suffers from the adverse effects, such as extreme weather events and environmental degradation. He called on participants to develop practical recommendations for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-29), set to take place in November in Baku, Azerbaijan. He also stressed the importance of using the conference as an opportunity to strengthen Africa's position in international negotiations.
Josefa Sacko, African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, and Sustainable Environment, warned of the severe economic consequences of climate change. She predicted, for instance, that Africa’s GDP could shrink by up to five percent annually by 2040 if urgent adaptation and mitigation efforts are not undertaken. Sacko emphasized that the most severe impacts would fall on vulnerable populations, which already face significant challenges. She urged participants to mobilize large volumes of climate finance, stressing the need for resources to be provided as grants rather than loans or debt, and called for increased funding for carbon projects and markets.
Anthony Nyong, Director of Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank (AfDB), noted that less than 3% of global climate finance reaches Sub-Saharan Africa, a situation that must be urgently addressed. He reaffirmed the AfDB’s commitment to doubling climate finance to $25 billion by next year and increasing Africa's share of global climate finance from 3% to 10%. This commitment is seen as a crucial step in aligning necessary resources with the continent’s growing needs to address climate challenges.
(By Renaldo Manhice)
