Symphony or cacophony: Africa and Climate change discussion

COP27 is “Africa’s COP”, and the plights of African nations (and other developing nations) must be put at the forefront. Climate change and its effect is ravaging Africa. It is unfortunate that the vulnerable continent is bearing the brunt of a problem to which it negligibly contributed.

Countries and communities at the frontiers of the climate crisis need urgent support. In my research of climate action strategies in Cities in Sub-Saharan Africa, a major hurdle to scale is climate financing. Most government lacks the financial resources to implement their established climate mitigation and adaptation plans…… and yes…they all have climate action plans in place!

?As the world converges in Sharm El Sheikh (SES), Egypt, for COP27 this weekend, I want you all to that the following climate-related disasters have occurred in Africa since the last COP in Glasgow:

• 6000km south of SES, flood in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• 5000km south of SES, Tropical cyclone (Gombe) in Central Nampula, Mozambique
• 3700km south of SES, Worst drought in 40 years in the Horn of Africa
• 3800km West of SES, Wildfire in Morocco and Algeria
• 5700km South of SES, Tropical storm (Ana) in Madagascar
• 2300km West of SES, Record-breaking atmospheric temperature in Tunis, Tunisia
• 2000km Southwest of SES, Flood in Sudan and South Sudan

In total, 4000+ people?dead, 19 million people were affected, and an estimated $ 8 billion loss. This does not include the health effect, biodiversity loss and other impacts of climate change and GHG emissions.

?Africa is in need of urgent financial support and innovative financial instruments, like carbon trading and green bonds, to fight climate change. Partnership and collaboration (financially inclusive) are critical to building resilience to, adapting to and mitigating climate change in Africa. As 9ce, one of my favourite Nigerian artists rhymed over 10 years ago – “Orun ‘n ya bo, ki n se oro enikan”. Meaning - The sky is collapsing, it will not affect just one person!

Reference and photo credit: Carbon Brief