COP29: Africa renews its demand for “climate justice”

The 29th United Nations Climate Conference (COP29) in Baku is marked by an unprecedented mobilization of African countries.

The latter demand fair compensation for the damage caused by global warming and demand the immediate implementation of the loss and damage fund. This mechanism, adopted at COP27, aims to help the most vulnerable countries cope with the devastating consequences of climate change.

For Barirega Akankwasah, Executive Director of theUganda National Environmental Management Authorityit is essential that polluters are held responsible:

“What we want is that whoever pollutes bears the cost of cleaning up the environment, that he assumes the cost of mitigation and that he assumes the cost of adaptation in this proportion, because people made money by polluting. We pollute by producing, and therefore we benefit from pollution by applying the principles of environmental management and calculating the cost of good design. Services must integrate the total cost of production, including the cost to the environment. The cost to the environment must therefore be borne by the polluter. That is the idea. »

African delegations are not content with demanding financial reparations. They also call for strict and transparent rules regarding international carbon markets, to ensure their effectiveness. These markets allow countries or companies to offset their emissions by financing green projects elsewhere in the world.

“What I am waiting for is for us to accept or make Article Six operational. Do we have clear standards and procedures for international carbon markets? The other agreement I am waiting for is that we have a fully operational loss and damage fund with clear criteria on the amount and contributors, as well as the criteria for accessing and disbursing these funds,” a pursuei Akankwasah.

In addition, African climate activists, supported by international organizations, are calling for a rapid and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. They point out that Africa, although responsible for less than 4% of global emissions, suffers disproportionate impacts from climate change.

These demands highlight the urgency of climate justice, where industrialized countries, historically responsible for emissions, must assume their responsibilities towards the most exposed nations. In Baku, Africa demands concrete commitments and rapid implementation of these essential mechanisms for its future.