ACRP calls for COP29 to deliver increased climate finance and equitable solutions for Africa’s climate future

The African Climate Reality Project (ACRP) is urging global leaders attending COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to focus on the urgent needs of Africa, and calling for a drastic reduction in emissions alongside a significant increase in climate finance to support more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in Africa.

This year’s COP has been dubbed the Finance COP, as it will focus on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) to determine a new climate finance target. In 2009, developed countries committed to mobilising $100 billion annually between 2020 and 2025 to support low- and middle-income countries. Funding has consistently fallen short in both quality and quantity since then. Recognizing the urgent need for a new financial goal, the Paris Agreement mandates that from 2025, the $100 billion serve as a baseline, with future goals needing to reflect the realities of climate finance demands.

In light of this, ACRP calls for action on the following key areas at COP29:

• Increase climate finance to enable a more ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)
• Capitalise the Loss & Damage Fund, addressing the historical debts owed to regions already suffering the consequences of climate change. We advocate for financing that goes beyond adaptation and mitigation.
• Ensure the reform of COP processes to create a more equitable and inclusive framework for decision-making.
• Prioritise adaptation in the African context, acknowledging the urgent needs of vulnerable communities.

While the focus this year will be on climate finance, it’s important that discussions about the climate crisis go beyond just increasing funding. Climate finance must not only be more considerable in amount but also better in quality, with resources distributed fairly and transparently. It’s crucial to understand the unique challenges faced by affected communities, which often contribute the least to the climate crisis. Therefore, ACRP calls for governments, businesses, and policymakers to create systems that protect human rights and listen to vulnerable groups, especially youth and women, in decision-making processes.

By promoting an inclusive conversation and promoting fairness in climate finance, we can build a sustainable future that meets the needs of those most impacted by climate change.

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Dimpho Lekgeu

dimpho.lekgeu.za@climatereality.com |+27725401140