Non-State Actors are greatly concerned about the impacts of the climate crisis on the entire African continent and its people.
The group lead by Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director, Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, PACJA It is calling on the African Climate Summit to take in accounts various measures it has proposed to help mitigate the issue.
” We are witnessing the devastating effects of climate-fueled droughts, floods, cyclones,
desertification, food insecurity, displacement, and conflicts. We are also
aware of the historical and current responsibilities of the developed countries
in causing and exacerbating this crisis and, in defiance to science and climate
justice, their failure to provide adequate support to the most vulnerable
countries and communities,” Says Mwenda .
He added that the Africa Climate Summit (ACS), scheduled for September 4 – 6, 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya, is a unique opportunity for the continent, through its leaders, to raise the urgency of addressing the climate
emergency and protecting the rights and livelihoods of its citizens.
” It is an opportunity to build momentum and solidarity for the African agenda at COP28
and beyond by highlighting African countries’ common interests and aspirations
in achieving a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and inclusive development,” it said.
It added , ” We have been steadfast in advocating for a fair,
ecologically-just and equitable transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient
future that respects the rights and dignity of all people. In the past
several weeks, we held direct and indirect engagements with the Kenyan
Government, the African Union Commission and the larger ClimDev-Africa
Initiative under the auspices of an independent and voluntary Non-State Actors’
Committee, which was established to ensure that the Summit reflects the voices
and aspirations of African people,” reads it’s statement in parts ahead of the summit.
It is however worried that Despites it’s effort to shape how things needs to be done, the summit may miss to address key issues when not well managed.
” Despite these engagements and the
evidence provided by the latest science, we are worried that the Summit may
fall short of what Africans truly aspire as the outcomes to safeguard current
and future generations. We however believe that it is still not late,
and President Ruto, the African Union and all leaders across Africa will put
their hears down and keenly listen to their loud voices expressing concerns
about some aspects of the Summit,” it said.
It gave some key highlights of what it feels are key to make the summit successful.
” To this end, we have outlined a set of
demands or red-lines that we expect the African leaders to uphold and champion
at the summit: Stand by the principles of climate justice, human rights, gender equality, and inter-generational equity in all climate policies and actions.We reiterate that climate policies and actions measures should not only aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change but also to ensure that they are consistent with the principles of climate justice, human rights, gender equality, and inter-generational equity,” it said.
It added, ” Therefore, we demand that all conversations and ultimate decisions of the Summit must be Critically
examine the claims and evidence behind any proposed solution. They must: Make it a duty to the African people to ask questions such as: Who is promoting it and why? What are the assumptions and uncertainties involved, how does it affect the root causes and drivers of greenhouse gas
emissions?
What are the potential trade-offs and co-benefits for other
environmental and social issues? Are they science-based or do they align
with the principles of climate justice and human rights?
Press
for and uphold transparent and participatory decision-making processes
involving diverse stakeholders and perspectives; ensuring that the voices
of those most affected by climate change and its solutions are heard and
respected; and supporting the development and implementation of solutions
that are based on sound science, local knowledge, and community
empowerment.
Show
courage in confronting the systemic changes needed to address climate
change effectively, recognizing that false climate solutions often serve
to maintain the status quo and protect the interests of powerful actors
who benefit from the current system.
Challenge
the dominant narratives and paradigms that enable and justify false
solutions, such as those denying historical responsibilities for the
climate crisis, turning regional and global dialogues into investment
forums, claiming equal or shared responsibility for climate action and
dismissing African demands for justice as
victim-playing.
