Africa’s road to COP 27

Africa and the world will convene in Egypt this November for the 27th edition of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP 27. CNBC Africa recently interviewed Carlos Lopez, a professor at the Mandela School at the University of Cape Town, to discuss Africa's priorities for this year's conference. Lopez highlighted that Africa is entering COP 27 in a more unified stance, despite facing challenges such as the lingering effects of the pandemic and the ongoing war impacting energy and food markets, crucial issues for the continent. The professor emphasized that while global agreements may be difficult to reach due to tensions, the focus should shift towards discussions on loss and damage, an area of particular interest for African nations. One of the key themes that emerged from the interview is the need for Africa to claim carbon credits. Lopez pointed out that the continent has historically contributed the least to carbon emissions but suffers the most from climate change impacts. He highlighted the Congo Basin's capacity to absorb carbon, surpassing even the Amazon in this regard. Despite these contributions, Africa has not received the carbon credits it deserves, leading to challenges in accessing climate finance. Lopez criticized the lipocritical attitude of many promises made in the past, stressing the importance of translating commitments into action to address Africa's climate finance needs effectively. Another significant point discussed in the interview was the inequities in the carbon markets. While rules were established at COP26 in Glasgow to trade carbon credits, many experts believe these rules do not favor Africa, even though the continent hosts the majority of carbon credit schemes. Lopez raised concerns about the role of major polluters, such as oil companies, in utilizing carbon markets to maintain their consumption patterns without enacting substantial changes. He called for a reevaluation of current market models to ensure transparency and fairness, particularly for African countries striving towards net-zero emissions. Lopez highlighted the need for a universal approach to net zero certification to provide African nations with the policy space needed to advance their climate resilience through sustainable infrastructure and energy projects. In conclusion, as Africa prepares for COP 27, key priorities include advocating for climate finance access, emphasizing discussions on loss and damage, and reforming carbon markets to benefit all nations equitably. By addressing these critical issues, African countries can position themselves as leaders in climate action and ensure a sustainable future for the continent and the world.