The African Climate Reality Project Calls for Climate Justice, Just Transition, and Fair Finance at COP30
As the world gathers in Brazil for COP30, the African Climate Reality Project is calling for ambitious climate action rooted in justice, equity, and accountability.
This year’s conference, hosted under the theme of “implementation”, comes at a decisive moment. The world has just lived through the hottest decade on record, with 2024 marking the first calendar year to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Southern Africa is heating at double the global rate, with communities already experiencing devastating floods, droughts, and food insecurity.
Climate Justice Is Social Justice
Those least responsible for the climate crisis are suffering its worst effects. This unequal burden is unsustainable. True climate justice means addressing the deep-seated social and economic inequalities that make African communities particularly vulnerable to climate shocks.
We cannot talk about protecting the environment while communities are being displaced or deprived of land and livelihoods. Likewise, we cannot talk about development while continuing to exploit the planet. Environmental protection and social justice must go hand in hand.
This means that a just transition is non-negotiable. This transition must protect workers, create new and fair jobs, and ensure that no community is left behind. Transitioning from coal to renewables must also mean moving from inequality to equity.
Our key demands at COP30:
- Transition Away from Fossil Fuels:
COP30 must deliver a clear timeline and roadmap to phase out fossil fuels and accelerate investment in renewable energy. - Revisit and Strengthen NDCs:
Countries must close the ambition gap by revising their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to align with the 1.5°C goal. - Adopt a Fair Finance Roadmap:
The “Baku to Belém” roadmap must include grant-based and non-debt-creating finance instruments to prevent deepening the Global South debt crisis. - Ensure a Just Transition:
Climate action must protect workers and communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the shift to a low-carbon economy. - Embed Indigenous Knowledge Systems:
Indigenous People must be at the centre of decision-making and implementation. Their knowledge systems are vital for true adaptation. - Put People First:
Every deal or policy must be shaped through consultation with the communities most affected — nothing about us, without us.
A Call for Global Solidarity
The African Climate Reality Project stands in solidarity with all communities fighting for justice in Africa and beyond. As the world looks to Brazil for leadership, we call for courage, collaboration, and compassion.
“As the world gathers in Brazil, Africa stands ready to lead with solutions rooted in justice and equity. We cannot achieve global climate goals without addressing the historic imbalances that continue to shape who bears the costs and who reaps the benefits. COP30 must be the moment we align ambition with justice. We urge leaders to move beyond promises and commit to a just transition and fair finance framework for African communities to thrive, not just survive.” — Aurelie Kalenga Njimngou, Branch Manager, African Climate Reality Project.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Dimpho Lekgeu
dimpho.lekgeu.za@climatereality.com|+27675948838
About the African Climate Reality Project:
The African Climate Reality Project (ACRP), is the Africa Branch of global organisation The Climate Reality Project, and a program of Food and Trees for Africa. The branch was founded in 2014 in South Africa, and works with climate leaders across the continent who organise local activities to advocate for climate action. ACRP also works with governments, NGOs, and scientists in Africa to create tools and resources to support a network of active citizens who mobilise communities to find solutions to climate change and call on world leaders for more ambitious action.