Climate Countdown: COP28’s Impact on Africa
Favour Olumuyiwa Favour is a Contributing Researcher and Writer at Susinsight. Her work covers the economic trends, environmental shifts, and social changes shaping the African continent. She holds a BSc in Information and Communication Engineering and also operates as a Software Professional from Nigeria.

Climate Countdown: COP28’s Impact on Africa

7 min read

A Global Conclave for Climate Action

COP28, the 28th Conference of the Parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is more than a mere gathering. Hosted in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 13, 2023, it stands as a testament to global unity against climate change. The event, the largest of its kind, saw an impressive turnout of 85,000 participants, including over 150 heads of state and government. It convened a diverse array of stakeholders—national delegations, civil society, business sectors, youth, philanthropy, and international organizations—under one roof.

The conference is a linchpin in the global commitment to combat climate change, embodying a collective endeavor to unearth sustainable solutions. COP28’s distinguishing features are its scale and inclusivity, mirroring the urgency and shared responsibility of the international community. The outcomes of COP28 hold particular significance for Africa. The conference aimed to address the continent’s climate change impact and champion initiatives for adaptation and resilience.

In the wake of COP28, we will probe into the specific commitments, financial pledges, and initiatives that emerged from the conference. We will scrutinize their contribution to the global fight against climate change and their role in bolstering Africa’s pursuit of its climate goals. This exploration will shed light on the transformative potential of global collaboration and the pivotal role of financial support in driving sustainable development.

World Heads of State pose for a group photo at Al Wasl during the UN Climate Change Conference COP28 at Expo City Dubai on December 1, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by COP28 / Mahmoud Khaled)

The Demise of the Fossil Fuel Era

COP28 stands as a watershed moment, heralding the impending dusk of the fossil fuel era. Representatives from nearly 200 nations collectively recognized the urgent need to transition away from these non-renewable resources. As the conference reached its zenith, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell declared, “In Dubai, we have not merely turned a page; we have embarked on a journey towards the definitive end of the fossil fuel epoch.”

Echoing this sentiment, UN Chief António Guterres underscored the necessity for a transition characterized by justice and equity. He pledged unwavering support for developing nations during this transformative process, aligning with the global consensus that the fossil fuel era’s conclusion should be an inclusive and equitable endeavor.

Significantly, the decisions made at COP28 resonate with Africa’s earnest ambitions to embrace renewable energy sources. This recognition paves the way for increased support and investment in renewable energy projects across the continent. This strategic shift positions COP28 as a catalyst for nurturing clean and sustainable energy solutions in Africa, assisting nations in achieving their climate goals while ensuring equitable energy access for their burgeoning populations. Thus, COP28 not only signals the end of the fossil fuel era but also marks the dawn of a new age of sustainable development.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the Opening Ceremony of the World Climate Action Summit

A cornerstone of COP28 was the resolute commitment of participating nations to amplify their efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions. This pledge assumes amplified significance when viewed through a global prism, particularly considering its profound implications for the African continent, which bears a disproportionate brunt of climate change effects. The collective recognition of the urgent need to rein in emissions not only underscores a shared responsibility in curbing global temperature rise but also illuminates the crucial role African nations play in preserving their ecosystems and the welfare of their populace.

By accentuating the global import of these commitments, we acknowledge that mitigating climate change is a collective endeavor that transcends national boundaries. The commitment to slash emissions morphs from an individual nation’s imperative into a collaborative covenant to secure a sustainable future for our shared planet. This shared responsibility resonates with particular intensity in Africa, where the adverse effects of climate change are acutely experienced, underscoring the pressing need for concerted action.

A Lifeline for Africa’s Green Transition

The 28th annual Conference of the Parties (COP28) witnessed an encouraging pledge from developed nations: a commitment to financially assist their developing counterparts, with a particular focus on Africa. This aid aims to bolster climate adaptation and resilience, recognizing the economic hurdles that hinder some nations from adopting eco-friendly practices. For Africa, these financial commitments open doors to transformative renewable energy projects, climate-resilient agricultural practices, and the development of sturdy infrastructure resilient to climate adversities.

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The significant financial pledge, amounting to roughly $141.74 million, is earmarked for the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), prioritizing the most vulnerable nations, many of which are African. This capital infusion into the LDCF could be a game-changer in addressing key facets of climate change adaptation and resilience across the continent. It offers a vital lifeline to Africa in its fight against climate change, with a special focus on the least developed countries. The funds are poised to aid African nations in executing comprehensive climate adaptation strategies, including the construction of resilient infrastructure, enhancement of water resource management, and fortification of agricultural practices against shifting climatic conditions.

This financial commitment does more than facilitate climate adaptation; it also significantly contributes to broader sustainable development goals in Africa. The funds can be strategically allocated to projects that promote renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and the creation of green jobs. This multi-pronged impact assists African nations in transitioning towards low-carbon economies while simultaneously tackling pressing socio-economic challenges.

The 26th annual Conference of the Parties (COP26) in 2021 marked a significant milestone in climate action, with parties reaching a historic consensus on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and unveiling a comprehensive framework. This framework not only represents a global agreement on adaptation objectives but also sets crucial benchmarks for enhancing global resilience against the intensifying impacts of climate change.

The path towards addressing the GGA has been a consistent focus, especially for nations most susceptible to climate impacts. African countries have been at the forefront as the initial advocates of this objective. Despite its formal inclusion in the 2015 Paris Agreement, the GGA only garnered significant attention at COP26, six years later, when the African Group initiated a successful two-year “work program” aimed at revitalizing efforts to achieve the GGA.

The subsequent COP28 discussions delved into the technicalities, with parties making critical decisions on key “themes” to be incorporated into the GGA. A consensus was reached on integrating essential themes such as water, food, health, ecosystems, infrastructure, poverty eradication, and cultural heritage. Negotiators further refined the framework by defining specific sub-goals within these themes, such as achieving universal access to clean water and safeguarding 30% of ecosystems. Recognizing the diverse and context-specific nature of climate adaptation, there was a collective understanding that adaptation efforts cannot be standardized as easily as emission reduction strategies.

Portrayed as an aspirational “guiding star,” the GGA provides direction for future planning and resource allocation towards climate adaptation initiatives without being overly prescriptive.

The 28th annual Conference of the Parties (COP28) marked a significant turning point in the global response to climate change, with a consensus reached on the targets for the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA). This agreement signals a crucial advancement in addressing Africa’s vulnerability to climate change. The precision in defining these GGA targets underscores a shared commitment to specific and measurable objectives, laying a solid foundation for impactful climate resilience efforts.

This momentum is further bolstered by the substantial financial commitments made during COP28, with pledges to the Adaptation Fund reaching a noteworthy $188 million. These financial commitments play a pivotal role in shaping the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed initiatives. Specifically, the injection of such substantial funds allows for a more detailed analysis of the impacts of tailored adaptation measures, ensuring a comprehensive and targeted approach to addressing climate vulnerabilities in Africa.

Recognizing the imperative need for adequate funding to implement these measures, the commitments made at COP28 underscore a global acknowledgment of the financial support required to foster effective climate resilience in vulnerable regions, with a particular emphasis on Africa. The outcomes of the COP28 discussions not only affirm the importance of financial support but also showcase a strategic and well-defined approach to address the unique challenges faced by African nations in the wake of climate change.

The commitments by developed nations at COP28 represent a commendable stride in supporting climate adaptation and resilience efforts, particularly within the African context. The clear articulation of economic constraints faced by numerous nations highlights the pivotal role of financial assistance in facilitating the adoption of climate-friendly practices across the continent.

The Path to Sustainable Development

The outcomes of COP28 have indeed ignited a beacon of hope for transformative change. However, the journey towards actualizing these climate goals in Africa is fraught with intricate challenges. These hurdles are not uniform across the continent, but rather, they are as diverse as the nations themselves.

A significant barrier is the inadequacy of infrastructure. Many African nations grapple with underdeveloped transport, energy, and water systems, which can impede the efficient implementation of climate initiatives. The limited availability of technological resources further compounds this issue. Without access to advanced technologies, these countries may find it difficult to monitor climate patterns accurately, forecast changes, and implement adaptive measures.

The economic disparities among African nations also present a unique set of challenges. Nations with less robust economies may find the immediate adoption of emission reduction measures particularly daunting. This is often due to economic constraints and a heavy reliance on traditional, and often less eco-friendly, energy sources.

Moreover, the transition to new technologies and sustainable practices may pose significant challenges in regions with limited access to resources and education. Without adequate training and education, communities may struggle to adapt to the new methods of production and lifestyle changes that sustainability requires.

These challenges are not just hurdles to climate action, but they also have broader implications. They impact economic growth, social development, and political stability. Therefore, addressing these challenges is not just about combating climate change but also about paving the way for holistic and sustainable development in Africa.

The financial support pledged at COP28 emerges as a pivotal catalyst, poised to overcome the implementation challenges that Africa faces in its climate action. This fiscal aid has the potential to catalyze technology transfer and capacity building, equipping nations with the necessary tools to navigate obstacles and adopt sustainable practices.

Collaborative initiatives form the cornerstone of this approach, bridging the divide between developed and developing nations. These partnerships create fertile ground for knowledge exchange, enabling Africa to bypass traditional development trajectories and expedite the integration of sustainable solutions.

The outcomes of COP28 chart a promising course for Africa, fostering an ecosystem of global collaboration, financial support, and cognizance of the continent’s unique challenges. However, the realization of these climate goals hinges on effective collaboration, innovation, and the resilience of African nations to overcome implementation hurdles.

The spirit of global collaboration, a key takeaway from COP28, underscores the shared responsibility in tackling climate change. As African nations forge alliances with global stakeholders, the exchange of knowledge, technology, and best practices forms the foundation for innovative solutions to thrive. As Africa navigates its path, the global community bears witness to a continent on the cusp of not just climate success but a broader shift towards a sustainable and equitable future.

The insights gleaned from COP28 not only kindle optimism for Africa’s climate goals but also lay the groundwork for a transformative journey towards sustainable development. This narrative underscores the potential of financial support as a catalyst for change and the power of collaboration to drive progress.

Edited by Adetoro Adetayo & Tomi Abe — Co-Publishers, Susinsight.

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Favour Olumuyiwa Favour is a Contributing Researcher and Writer at Susinsight. Her work covers the economic trends, environmental shifts, and social changes shaping the African continent. She holds a BSc in Information and Communication Engineering and also operates as a Software Professional from Nigeria.