The first ever Africa Climate Summit ended on 6th September, 2023 with the adoption of the “Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change” and a call to action. The government of the Republic of Kenya in collaboration with the African Union (AU) invited representatives and heads of state of the whole continent to meet and commit to solutions to the climate crises in Africa. The declaration seeks to express what is needed from both, the global South, and the global North in terms of commitment, financial support, and global taxes as well as economic green growth to reach the global climate goals.
We are in the era of global boiling
“The era of global warming has ended, the era of global boiling has arrived”, stated Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations in July this year. It is not a secret that the African continent is a very small contributor to the global climate crises, but African countries are among those suffering most from the attendant consequences of such crises.
The summit started on Monday, 4th September with a high-level opening ceremony. In the previous days, representatives of key groups gathered to find answers to climate change and to formulate their expectations, commitments and demands. The African Youth Climate Assembly reminded the governments of the continent about their responsibilities thus: “We urge leaders to join hands with the youth. Your children are watching you today. We call upon you, leaders, to enable us and stand with us in this crucial mission. We want to go far, we need to go together, to save our continent and the planet.” The indigenous peoples of Africa demand inclusiveness in the planning process and implementation of renewable energy projects as many projects are planned on the land which they use as a platform to communicate with their ancestors in their traditional way of life. The Executive Secretary of UNFCC, Simon Stiell, underscored the importance of green development and financial commitment to build resilient societies in Africa and throughout the whole world.
Green growth programs and climate action financing are key
The Africa Climate Summit aimed to reach goals in four core areas: Climate Action Financing, Green Growth Agenda for Africa, Climate Action and Economic Development and Global Capital Optimization.
President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone supported the call for action in his statement at the ACS2023 when he stated, “We are at the crossroad in making a tangible decision to move from policy statement to combat this global menace of climate change. In Sierra Leone, if we do not act on time, we will definitely lose valuable ecosystems and its attendant problems of displacement of people and loss of livelihoods.” He further explained that his “government recognises the threat posed by climate change, and has taken necessary steps and actions to minimize the potential for further damage.” It is hoped that these steps and actions taken will manifest their positive impact for the people of Sierra Leone in the very near future. For now, we continue to experience continuous deforestation, flooding of island communities, declining fish stock and deteriorating conditions for farmers.
These days are crucial for the further commitment of the members of the African Union on how they plan to respond to the climate crisis on the continent. While the government representatives are meeting, Kenia is suffering a terrible drought while other countries are suffering from strong rainfalls and flooding. There won´t be one solution for all but there must be one strong commitment for the whole continent.
The adoption of the “Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change” which African governments have signed on to by the end of the conference, details numerous commitments for renewable energy development, sustainable agriculture, forest conservation and seeks for a reform of the global financial system to ensure green growth in Africa. It will also set the first formal green growth agenda in Africa that can position the continent as a globally powerful climate solutions hub. Africa is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, but it can also be the continent which provides a big part of the solution.
Less talk, more action!
The time to act is now. We cannot wait any longer. The Conservation Society of Sierra Leone is calling on all African governments to come together in this time of uncertainties, to be open for the voices of the youth, the voices of indigenous people, the voices of scientists and the voice of the people of the continent. Let´s not end with commitments, let´s take real climate actions. Or as the slogan of environmental activists sounded during the summit: “Less talk, more action!”
Read the full version of the Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change
Learn more online: https://africaclimatesummit.org/
