Africa must rethink climate change plan

Currently, Africa faces one of the worst climate crises in recent memory. From the north to the Horn of Africa, you will find varied climate concerns. In Tanzania’s southern region, drought has wreaked havoc, shuttering people’s livelihoods and leaving scores of animals dead. This is a situation that has not been experienced in many decades. When you look at Kenya, the situation is even worse. Women and girls are bearing the brunt of the worst drought experienced in Kenya for 40 years.

These extreme weather patterns have made what was already a dire economic situation in Africa take a turn for the worse. The United Nations has attempted to intervene to some extent in order to mitigate the situation, but the hope for a more sustainable solution lies in concerted efforts by the industrialized nations, which are the major contributors to the climate crisis.

As has been stated and repeated over and over, Africa contributes the least to the destruction of the environment but pays the biggest price for the aftermath. What is currently happening in many parts of Africa is not solely due to domestic activities; it is a ripple effect of external factors.

When Africa demands the industrialized nations clean up the climate mess, it is their right. The developed countries’ pledge to take action or provide financial facilitation shouldn’t be construed as a sign of tokenism or aid given to Africa.

It is against this background that what transpired at COP27 is viewed as a betrayal to Africa. When leaders met in Glasgow for COP26, it was believed that the climate change conference would be the beginning of more stern measures and the implementation of key climate actions. However, all the world got were more pledges. The message from COP26 ushered in new hopes for a greener future and salvaging Africa’s damaged environment. What was left was implementing the pledges.

When COP27 was announced and Egypt, a country in northern Africa, was chosen as the host nation, Africans breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, the climate change discourse was going to be held on home soil. There were many rallying calls for Africa to take charge of the narrative and raise its case in Egypt. And up until the event, it was believed that Africa stood a chance to finally demand vivid actions.

However, by the end of the summit on November 18, all expectations had been dashed. All that was left was a feeling of betrayal. Yet again, the world is procrastinating, and Africa, more than any other country, is feeling the pinch.

Take charge

It has been suggested by some that Africa should stop overdependence on the developed world to solve the climate crisis. However, methods should be devised to hold the major contributors to the climate catastrophe accountable, as well as clear steps beyond regulatory measures to ensure we don’t fall back into the sinkhole.