COP 29 and Climate Injustice: Africa Deserves Better?
According to the report "COP 29 and Climate Injustice: Does Africa Deserve Better?" published last month by ASFO (African Sustainable Finance Observatory), Africa contributes only 3% to global CO2 emissions, yet the continent suffers from extreme heat, drought, floods, cyclones, and tsunamis.
Moreover, the projected number of climate migrants in Africa raises serious concerns in the absence of concrete actions.
The tragedy of Africa lies in an undeniable reality: CO2 emissions from industrialized countries ignore borders and spread unchecked. Without needing a visa, they penetrate the territories of nations least responsible for global emissions, exacerbating environmental and social impacts. This phenomenon perfectly illustrates the concept of "climate injustice," where countries most vulnerable to natural disasters are often those that contribute the least to global pollution.
Africa, still largely in the Holocene era, is suffering the effects of climate warming initiated by rich countries since the 18th century, with the advent of the Anthropocene. The cumulative CO2 emissions from the continent between 1750 and 2020 remain marginal, yet the impacts of climate change are devastating.
While G20 countries are responsible for 22% of global climate warming since 1850, Africa faces a likely 30% decrease in agricultural productivity, a 20% increase in food insecurity after each natural disaster, and projected economic losses of at least 30% of its GDP by 2050.
These challenges, exacerbated by rising sea levels, temperature increases, and extreme climate events, highlight Africa's unique vulnerability to additional global warming, despite its minimal responsibility in this global crisis.
Despite everything, positive developments are emerging. The 29th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 29), held in November 2024 in Baku, stood out as the first to emphasize the concept of climate justice. With the slogan "Let's stand together for a green world," this event marked an important step in recognizing global disparities in the face of climate change and calling for increased solidarity for a sustainable future.
