African countries are intensifying calls for predictable and adequate climate finance as the continent prepares for the next round of global climate negotiations at COP31.
The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) says greater financial support is needed to help developing countries respond to worsening climate impacts, transition to cleaner economies and protect communities facing loss and damage.
Chair of the AGN, Nana Dr. Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, outlined the continent’s priorities to the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) during an update on recent climate negotiations.
He said Africa continued to experience severe climate-related disruptions, including droughts, floods, food insecurity, displacement and energy shortages, despite contributing relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the AGN presentation, funding available through key international climate finance mechanisms was also facing pressure.
It cited an estimated 38 per cent decline in funding to the Global Environment Facility compared with previous funding cycles, alongside a 50 per cent reduction in pledges from a developed country to the Green Climate Fund.
The AGN said the funding trends raised concerns about the ability of developing countries to implement climate programmes at a time when the scale of climate impacts was increasing.
Adaptation finance
The group said adaptation remained a major concern for Africa, with progress on the issue stalling during climate negotiations in Bonn.
It called for renewed efforts to ensure that Africa’s adaptation needs remained central to international climate discussions and urged the resolution of outstanding issues surrounding the Adaptation Fund.
The AGN also called on developed countries to honour their financial commitments to developing nations to enable them to implement climate resilience and adaptation programmes.
It said support was also needed for workers and communities affected by the shift towards cleaner energy systems.
Climate targets
The African negotiators further warned that existing national climate plans were not sufficient to keep global warming within the temperature limits established under the Paris Agreement.
The presentation indicated that current commitments placed the world on an estimated warming trajectory of about 2.7 degrees Celsius, highlighting the need for stronger implementation and greater ambition.
The AGN therefore called for more effective implementation of agreements reached at previous climate conferences rather than allowing commitments to remain largely at the level of declarations.
It also urged that COP31, COP32 and COP33 be treated as part of a continuing process, with each conference building on decisions and commitments from the previous one.
Africa seeks unified position
The group said Africa needed to maintain a common position in international climate negotiations to strengthen its influence and ensure that its development priorities were reflected in global climate decisions.
It said climate action must be closely linked to development, energy access, adaptation, industrialisation and economic growth.
The AGN also called for support for Ethiopia’s Presidency in translating decisions reached at COP31 into concrete action.
The group said a coordinated African approach would be critical to securing stronger climate finance, advancing adaptation measures and ensuring that the continent’s economic development needs were recognised alongside global efforts to address climate change.
