Africa seeks action from high polluters

Experts from Africa convening in Nairobi, Kenya, are working to draft a common position ahead of the UN's COP29 climate conference, calling for increased pressure on high-polluting countries to allocate funds to support the least-developed nations.

COP29, in full the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, is scheduled from Nov 11 to 22 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

During the four-day Pre-COP29 Strategy Meeting that began on Tuesday, more than 100 African negotiators gathered to discuss the pressing issue of climate change, which they warn is fueling insecurity across the continent amid competition for shrinking resources, such as fresh water, arable land and pasture.

Kenyan Senator Moses Kajwang said the West is the world's largest polluter, yet African countries have, over the years, been forced to set aside funds such as the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund, and the Loss and Damage Fund.

The West is notorious for making commitments that are not followed through by action, he added. "As we proceed to COP29, we intend to put more pressure on the West and polluting countries to make and deliver their commitments on funding for adaptation efforts in Africa."

Jacqueline Amongin, a Ugandan member of parliament and secretary-general of the African Network of Parliamentarians on Climate Change, said a common stand for Africa is necessary because securing financial resources is essential for African countries to implement their climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

African countries often face common climate challenges but may have varying national interests, and the goal is to form a united front, she said.

George Wamukoya, team leader of the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support, said the negotiators are reviewing options while seeking to strengthen the capacity for climate innovation, which is vital for building community resilience against current and future climate shocks.

The climate crisis has taken a heavy toll on African countries, devastating livelihoods amid recurrent droughts, floods and wildfires, he said, emphasizing that adequate financing is key to boosting resilience.

The meeting will therefore raise awareness among negotiators from least-developed countries about the latest evidence on transboundary climate adaptation risks and how to strategize for further policy inclusion at the international level.

While COP29 is the immediate focus, delegates are also laying the groundwork for Africa's long-term climate strategy.

Wamukoya said the negotiators will focus not only on securing short-term wins at COP29 but also on developing frameworks that align with the broader goals of the Paris Agreement, including long-term climate resilience and sustainability.

The meeting, organized by the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support, aims to craft and solidify Africa's unified stance, particularly focusing on critical areas such as the Global Goal on Adaptation, climate finance and gender considerations.