ICEG Statement On Africa Climate Summit Communique | General News

The Institute for Climate and Environmental Governance (ICEG) commends the leaders of African nations for their collective commitment to address the pressing issue of climate change as expressed in the communique of the African Climate Summit. We recognize the importance of this historic gathering and acknowledge the positive strides made by African nations in the fight against climate change.

The communiqué represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and resilient future for the continent.

The African Climate Summit Communiqué, while well-intentioned and addressing key issues, falls short in several key areas and leaves much to be desired in terms of concrete action and accountability.

The communique lacks specific, measurable and time-bound commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It mentions vague goals such as “working towards carbon neutrality,” but does not provide clear details on how those goals will be achieved or what specific actions will be taken by African nations.

The communiqué also mentions the need for financial support from the international community, but does not outline a clear plan for how African nations intend to allocate and manage these funds effectively. While ICEG supports the call for new US$650 billion in ODA to respond to the climate crisis and operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund, without a transparent and accountable framework for climate governance by African countries, there is a risk that the funds will not reach the intended beneficiaries or to be abused.

Furthermore, the communiqué does not establish clear mechanisms for implementing the commitments made by African countries. Without effective monitoring, reporting and enforcement mechanisms, there is a risk that some countries will not take their climate commitments seriously, undermining the overall effectiveness of the summit outcomes.

While adaptation is undoubtedly important, the Communiqué appears to prioritize adaptation measures over mitigation efforts. Mitigation, which involves reducing emissions, is critical to preventing further climate change, and African nations must play an active role in this regard. The communique should have emphasized a balanced approach between adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Furthermore, while the communique reflects the views of African leaders, it does not sufficiently include the voices of civil society organizations, youth climate activists, local communities, the private sector and marginalized groups who are disproportionately affected by climate change. Inclusion is critical to developing holistic and effective climate solutions.

Last but not least, the communique should have placed a stronger emphasis on promoting innovation and technology transfer to help African nations transition to cleaner and more sustainable technologies. This is essential for long-term climate sustainability and economic development.

Recommendations

1. AU member states should be tasked to develop renewable energy governance frameworks with the necessary legal backing in their respective countries by 2024. Effective governance frameworks with legal backing would prove helpful in ensuring transparency in the use of funds about the climate. It will also promote clarity in policy formulation and implementation.

2. The AU should also require an annual percentage allocation of member states’ GDP for investment in renewable energy, while requiring a percentage of the current energy deficit in member states to be filled by renewable energy. This will ensure continued investment in clean energy, while at the same time reducing the costs of transitioning from conventional energy sources to renewable energy.

3. Introduce regulatory incentives and frameworks that encourage banks to offer green financial products. This includes providing tax incentives, reduced capital requirements or favorable treatment of green investments. This would encourage the participation of the private sector in the development of renewable energy.

In conclusion, the African Climate Summit Communiqué, while a step in the right direction, leaves much room for improvement. It needed to ensure more concrete commitments, a balanced approach between adaptation and mitigation, clear plans for resource allocation and implementation, greater engagement with the private sector and a stronger focus on technology and innovation. In addition, it had to take into account the various regional challenges and ensure greater inclusiveness in the decision-making process. Addressing these shortcomings is essential for the Communiqué to make a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change in Africa.

Signed
Hamza S. Sukhwini
(CEO)