Today, marks the beginning of actions at the Africa Climate Summit (ACS) and the Africa Climate Week (ACW) in Nairobi. The two events come at a time when flooding, prolonged drought, conflict due to hunger, climate-induced mobility and extreme poverty worsened by poor governance are synonymous with parts of the continent.
The ACS offers a perfect forum for leaders to speak with one powerful voice at the COP28 in the UAE later this year and ensure actions. The "Nairobi Declaration" to be read at the end of the ACS on Wednesday should ensure clarity not just on commitment, but also action to ensure reparation of climate finances by the biggest emitters. The represented governments must ensure climate finances reach the most vulnerable communities.
Every year, we hear stories of deaths from severe drought and floods. Africa is increasingly exposed to loss and damage at a time economies are grappling with challenges in agriculture and manufacturing, tied to unpredictable rain patterns. This summit must ensure fairness by global financial institutions and prioritisation of Africa which has been pushing to be considered as a continent with special needs and circumstances. The continent is not asking for loans but grants and actions that will ensure adaptation to climate-induced problems.
The youths should be granted more opportunities for green jobs, which can come through transition to renewable energy and phasing out of fossil fuels. The continent should not be duped to rely on more fossil fuels for development when all the profits are shared by foreign stakeholder companies. Africa's natural renewable energy potential is enough to hugely reduce reliance on fossil fuels, hence enabling sustainability.
With adequate technology in agriculture, Africa can feed the world from its massive arable land, some which is still virgin. Means to increase agricultural yields should be explored to reduce food insecurity.
The ACS is a good opportunity for Africa to address the challenges it faces. The continent must stop entertaining rhetoric and focus on action to address the deadly impacts of climate change.
