- African communities, who often bear the brunt of environmental devastation caused by extractive industries, are hoping that proceeds from the taxes will be used to fund loss and damage reparations.
- The cost implications of unchecked climate change are dire, as research indicates that it could cost African economies as much as 15% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.
- Droughts have impacted approximately 88.9 million people in Africa, with a significant portion of land experiencing severe drought conditions annually.
As the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) unfolds in Baku, Azerbaijan, African communities, who have contributed the least to global emissions, are demanding the urgent implementation of a Climate Damages Tax on polluters to fund loss and damage reparations.
In solidarity with the affected communities, Greenpeace Africa has called on world leaders to take decisive action on climate finance for African nations grappling with the harsh realities of the climate crisis.
The organisation’s statement welcoming the start of the conference highlights a stark disparity: developing countries receive a fraction of the financial support compared to the soaring profits of the fossil fuel industry.
African communities, who often bear the brunt of environmental devastation caused by extractive industries, are hoping that proceeds from the taxes will be used to fund loss and damage reparations.
Greenpeace Africa has outlined key demands for COP29 that reflect the urgency of the moment.
These demands include the implementation of a Climate Damages Tax on fossil fuel companies to fund loss and damage reparations, a significant increase in public climate finance through the NCQG, with a focus on the adaptation and mitigation needs of African nations, and concrete commitments for a rapid and just transition away from fossil fuels.
The organisation also calls for strong safeguards against false solutions, such as carbon offsets that threaten Africa’s carbon-dense ecosystems, and the recognition and elevation of African voices, including youth activists, indigenous communities, and civil society organisations, in addressing the climate crisis.
Murtala Touray, Programme Director at Greenpeace Africa, stressed the urgency of the situation, stating: “Africa stands at a critical crossroads. Establishing an ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) is crucial for scaling up climate finance to developing countries, particularly in Africa to tackle the scale of the prevailing crisis, ‘ he said.
He called on the political leadership attending the conference to reflect on the destruction that climate change had so far caused in Africa, adding that mitigation measures designed to safeguard peoples’ lives and meet development targets were bound to fail without robust climate-focused funding.
“As world leaders discuss, they should bear in mind the devastating droughts in the Horn of Africa and catastrophic flooding in West and Southern Africa that continue to threaten lives, livelihoods, and food security across the continent. Without climate finance that is fit for purpose, most African countries will be unable to deliver on their NDCs,” Touray said.
The cost implications of unchecked climate change are dire, as research indicates that it could cost African economies as much as 15% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030.
So far, the impact of climate change on Africa in 2023 has been profound, resulting in significant economic, social, and environmental consequences.
Economically, African countries are facing alarming losses, with estimates indicating that they are losing between 2% to 5% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) due to climate extremes. This translates to an annual requirement of approximately USD 30 to 50 billion for climate adaptation over the next decade, which accounts for about 2-3% of the region’s GDP.
Many nations are diverting as much as 9% of their national budgets to address climate-related issues, further straining their economic resources.
The human toll of climate change has also been devastating. In 2023, at least 15,700 people have lost their lives due to extreme weather events. A particularly catastrophic incident in Libya saw over 11,300 fatalities from flooding triggered by Storm Daniel.
Additionally, more than 34 million individuals across the continent have been affected by various climate disasters. The ongoing drought in the Horn of Africa has left approximately 29 million people vulnerable, leading to severe food insecurity for about 4 million individuals.
The agricultural impact has been equally distressing. Cereal production has fallen by about 10% in North Africa, dipping below the five-year average, exacerbated by erratic rainfall and ongoing drought conditions. Specific crops, such as sorghum and millet, are anticipated to see production decreases of around 25% and 50%, respectively, compared to previous years.
Droughts have impacted approximately 88.9 million people in Africa, with a significant portion of land experiencing severe drought conditions annually.
Climate indicators reveal troubling trends, with the continent warming at a rate of approximately 0.3°C per decade, slightly faster than the global average. The year 2023 was among the hottest recorded, with temperatures averaging 0.61°C above the 1991-2020 average.
Alongside these changes, climate change is exacerbating health issues across the continent, as rising temperatures and extreme weather events contribute to increased disease prevalence and health risks. Moreover, infrastructure damage caused by floods and heatwaves poses significant challenges for recovery and development.
Africa’s climate change challenge underscores the urgent need for enhanced investment in climate adaptation strategies and resilience-building efforts across Africa as the continent grapples with escalating climate-related challenges.
In the push to adopt green energy across the globe, Africa is yet to capitalise on its significant resources that could catapult it from a fossil energy-dependent economy to a renewable energy powerhouse.
While Africa holds 40% of the world’s solar potential, it receives a mere 2% of global renewable energy investment. This imbalance is critical to address, given that renewable energy projects generate three to five times more jobs than fossil fuel initiatives.
Fred Njehu, Pan African Political Strategist at Greenpeace Africa, emphasised the continent’s potential to lead the global transition to renewable energy.
He remarked: “African nations possess immense potential to lead the global transition to renewable energy, but this potential is undermined by continued fossil fuel exploitation and inadequate climate finance.”
Mr Njehu added that it was crucial for the conference agreement to incorporate proper targeted plans to secure the 1.5 degree reduction in global temperatures that would give life on the planet a chance to thrive.
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He warned the conference participants from falling into the all too familiar trap of lofty declarations that meant little when it comes to implementation and insisted that the conference should not be turned into an arena for corporations that pollute the environment to sugarcoat their detrimental activities, which is a tactic commonly known as greenwashing.
“The implementation of the COP29 agreement must deliver concrete plans aligned with the 1.5°C goal, specifically on a new collective quantified goal on finance. We refuse to let COP29 become another platform for empty promises, promoting false solutions and greenwashing,” Mr Njehu said.
As the world watches, the stakes could not be higher. COP29 represents a pivotal opportunity for leaders to make meaningful commitments that prioritise the needs of African countries and their communities.
