At the 13th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa in Addis Ababa, the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) made a bold call: it’s time for climate action driven by African science and fair finance 🌱💰.
Richard Muyungi, AGN Chair, argued that relying on external data and models leaves Africa vulnerable. “African science must take center stage in guiding climate action and adaptation,” he said, urging a shift to needs-based climate finance.
He added that Africa is entering a new phase of climate diplomacy, armed with a deeper understanding of its ecological wealth. “Climate finance is not charity but a right, a duty, and a measure of trust,” Muyungi emphasized.
From the PACJA side, Executive Director Mithika Mwenda highlighted the continent’s paradox: it emits the least greenhouse gases yet suffers the most. She warns that meeting Africa’s climate goals by 2030 will require nearly $3 trillion, while the region currently gets just 3–4% of global climate finance.
“Excluding our most vulnerable communities from decision-making is one of the biggest failures in global climate action,” Mwenda said, urging reforms in international finance and full access to the Loss and Damage Fund.
More than 110 million Africans were hit by climate disasters in 2024—from Sahel floods and Southern droughts to scorching heatwaves in the north. The conference, under the theme “Empowering Africa’s Climate Action with Science, Finance, and Just Transition,” continues through Sunday, gathering officials, researchers, and activists to chart a more equitable future 🤝.
Reference(s):
Africa calls for reframing global climate action with science, finance
cgtn.com
