As the world gathers in Dubai for the COP28 climate summit, Africa’s concerns take center stage as leaders from the continent witness the devastating impacts of the climate crisis, posing a significant challenge to sustaining livelihoods.

The year 2023 has brought attention to the severity of the crises, with record-breaking temperatures, droughts in the Horn of Africa, and widespread floods in New York, Dubai, and Africa.

The UN Secretary-General has declared that we have entered the era of “global boiling,” emphasizing the urgent need for action. During a visit to Antarctica, Antonio Guterres showed the world that the ice is quickly melting, implying an urgent need for a response to the challenges of climate change.

He emphasized the importance of cutting down on fossil fuels addiction which has significantly led to an increase in rates of global warming and thereby implicating more climate change crises.

Power Shift Africa published a report titled ‘Africa’s Agenda for COP28’ that issues a compelling call for decisive and unprecedented actions at COP28 to combat the escalating climate crisis. The report highlights big questions that linger in the minds of negotiators and the most vulnerable whether the summit will focus on providing eligible responses to the global climate crises.

The report urges a strong response at COP28 to address the unique challenges of the current climate emergency, by focusing on 6 Key areas:

Loss and Damage Fund: The report places urgent emphasis on the finalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, advocating for robust financial and technical institutional arrangements. This fund, it says, is not merely a financial instrument but a lifeline for vulnerable communities disproportionately impacted by climate-induced disasters. It calls for the swift establishment of the fund as this is critical for providing timely and effective support for recovery and adaptation.

Just Transition Work Programme: Central to the report is the call for a well-defined mandate for the Just Transition Work Programme. The report calls for a program that echoes the principles of justice and inclusivity and aims to support Africa and other developing nations in transitioning to low-carbon economies while addressing the economic and social dimensions of climate action, ensuring no one is left behind.

Global Goal on Adaptation: A core demand from the report is the unambiguous definition of the Global Goal on Adaptation, coupled with a call for doubling adaptation finance. The report underscores the necessity for prioritizing low-risk concessional loans and grants over high-risk ones that risk countries falling into greater debt. This approach, it argues, would ensure that adaptation projects are not only effective but also financially accessible, with a special focus on the most vulnerable communities.

Climate Finance Commitments: The report insists on clear commitments and tangible progress in climate finance negotiations. It staunchly advocates for the fulfillment of the long-overdue $100 billion pledge by developed countries. Furthermore, the report stresses the paramount importance of grants over loans, aligning financial support with justice and fairness principles to meet the urgent needs of developing nations.

Global Stocktake Process: A critical aspect of Africa’s Agenda for COP28 report is a thorough review of pre-2020 commitments, climate finance, and technology transfer within the framework of the Global Stocktake (GST) process. This scrutiny, it insists, must be guided by principles of equity, and is pivotal to fortify collective efforts in achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

Mitigation towards 1.5C: The report underscores the need for resolute global efforts to limit temperature rise, emphasizing equity, responsibility, and concrete actions. Post-COP26, where a 1.5°C limit was endorsed, the report calls for an acceleration of mitigation efforts. It cautions against undue reliance on carbon removal technologies, condemns recent reversals in climate commitments, and outlines expectations for COP28, emphasizing increased reliance on renewable energy and actions grounded in equity principles.

As pointed out by Mohamed Adow, Founder and Executive Director, of Power Shift Africa, this is a crucial time for Africa whereby leaders of the continent should come together with a collective voice at COP28 to safeguard the people afflicted from these eventualities.

He urged for a continued momentum of a unified approach in Dubai since Africa’s crises and faced challenges are dire whose solutions could cut across.

“We need to see our leaders working to ensure rich countries deliver on their promise of climate finance to help Africans adapt to climate change and compensate the most vulnerable who have suffered losses and damages.  The agreement of a Loss and Damage Fund at this month’s meeting in Abu Dhabi is an example of what can be achieved when global south cooperation is robust,” said Mohamed Adow.

Africa’s position has consistently led in the adoption of renewable energy which as predicted would be best for the continent considering its vast resources in the clean energy capability and capacity. However, there is a cited reluctance to phase out fossil fuels, especially among the rich and developed countries.

Matter of concern that Dean Bhebhe, Lead Campaigner, Don’t Gas Africa, underscores it as quite ironical to host the summit in an oil-producing nation and calls for a firm deadline when it comes to phasing out of fossil fuels.

Dean further added that Africa must defy Energy Apartheid, where the privileged few benefit while the majority, especially in impoverished areas, lack access to energy which is only possible with solidarity and collaborative spirit.

According to Lorraine Chiponda, coordinator, of Africa’s Climate Movement-of-Movements, the continent is uniquely positioned to lead the world in renewable energy however it is only possible if African countries can stop clinging to fossil fuels that risk a polluted and perilous future.