Africa eyes UN levy on private jets to fund climate fight

Africa eyes a UN levy on private jets to fund climate action. [iStock] African nations are looking to a proposed United Nations levy on private jets to help fund climate action amid worsening droughts and floods on the continent. The proposal would tax private jet flights, with revenue channelled into climate mitigation and adaptation projects in Africa, which contributes less than 4 per cent of global emissions but faces some of the harshest impacts of climate change. "High emitters need to contribute more because Africa is paying the price for a crisis it did not cause," said Enock Bii, founder and Chief Executive Officer of ClimaVox, a Pan-African sustainability communication firm. Bii explained that the levy could support projects such as reforestation, drought response programmes and green infrastructure in frontline communities, provided it is managed transparently. "If structured well, this levy can help Africa build climate resilience without increasing debt," noted Bii. The idea comes as African governments and experts push for climate finance that is accessible and does not depend on loans. They argue that wealthy nations and high emitters should shoulder a larger share of funding as the continent faces rising food and water insecurity. Bii observed that adopting the tax across African nations could prevent a situation where one country stands alone in a system that often protects polluters. At the same time, questions remain about how the tax would be enforced and whether it would generate enough funding to meet Africa's climate needs. Experts argue that while the levy may send a strong signal about climate justice, clear management structures are essential to ensure the funds reach communities directly affected by climate shocks. The discussion around the levy comes ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), where African leaders are expected to push for more equitable climate finance models. "Resilience is not built in summits alone but in everyday decisions and local leadership," said Bii.

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Africa eyes UN levy on private jets to fund climate fight

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