COP28: What’s next for Africa?

As the COP28 UN Conference approaches its conclusion, critical issues relating to climate financing remain unresolved. Dr. Mwenda Mithika, Chair of the Pan-Africa Climate Justice Alliance, provided insights into the challenges facing Africa in the quest for climate justice. The discussions at COP28 have been marred by contentious issues, particularly those pertinent to the African continent such as adaptation, finance, global goals, metrics, and targets. As the conference nears its scheduled end, uncertainty looms over the possibility of an extension. Dr. Mithika expressed disappointment, highlighting the unmet expectations of Africa, especially regarding the operationalization of the loss and damage fund. One of the primary areas of focus for Africa entering COP28 was the operationalization of the loss and damage fund. Despite some progress in this area, the implementation remains unclear. Dr. Mithika emphasized the inadequacy of the pledged $800 million for the global loss and damage fund compared to the required billions to address the climate-induced losses and damages. He also raised concerns about the accessibility of the funds, pointing out delays that may prevent immediate assistance to those in urgent need. The reliance on institutions like the World Bank, known for its bureaucratic processes, has further complicated the situation, casting doubts on the effectiveness of the fund. Dr. Mithika underscored the skepticism within civil society in Africa, stressing the need for tangible outcomes rather than mere pledges and symbolic gestures. The history of undercapitalized climate funds like the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the challenges of translating commitments into meaningful action. He urged for a shift from symbolic establishment to functional implementation to benefit the communities most affected by the climate crisis. Addressing the broader issue of mobilizing climate adaptation and mitigation funds, Dr. Mithika emphasized the principle of 'polluters must pay,' emphasizing that climate finance is not a charitable act but a moral obligation of those responsible for environmental degradation. Despite claims of financial constraints, Dr. Mithika argued that political will, rather than scarcity of resources, is the primary obstacle to fulfilling climate finance commitments. Drawing parallels to the swift mobilization of funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, he highlighted the disparities in response based on perceived global priorities. Looking ahead, Dr. Mithika outlined the necessity for African countries to transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. Acknowledging the inevitability of the green revolution, he underscored Africa's potential to leverage its mineral resources for climate finance generation. Critical minerals like nickel, lithium, copper, and rare earths, essential for renewable energy technologies, are abundant in Africa. However, Dr. Mithika cautioned against repeating past mistakes of resource exploitation leading to conflict, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in harnessing Africa's mineral wealth. As the COP28 negotiations draw to a close, the spotlight remains on Africa's struggle for climate justice and equitable access to climate financing. The calls for accountability, transparency, and genuine commitment from the global community echo the urgent need for concrete action to address the climate crisis, particularly in the most vulnerable regions of the world.