Diana Kibuuka
African Civil SocietyOrganisations (CSOs) have launched a common position paper addressing key
demands on issues of Climate Adaptation and Loss & Damage ahead of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), scheduled to begin end of this month.
The launch of the common position paper, comes only two weeks after theUnited Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released its Adaptation Gap Report of 2023, that points at underfinancing of climate adaptation globally and that countries are underprepared to initiate adaptation actions. The report says, for successful implementation of domestic adaptation priorities, countries require an estimated US$387 billion per year.
The Civil Society Organizationsexpress dissatisfaction over the absence of tangible progress in adaptation and
climate finance post-COP27, despite the establishment of the loss and damage fund.
The paper raises concernover the inadequacy of post-COP27 discussions, including the Paris Climate
Finance Summit, particularly in crucial areas such as finance, gender equity, and agriculture for Africa – And it’s not clear yet, whether the upcoming COP28 outcomes will show a green light to these critical issues.
The Civil SocietyOrganisations’ COP28 position paper demands for; Operationalizing the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), that advocatesfor a clear, quantitative and comprehensive framework for the Global Goal on Adaptation at COP28, with ability to respond to adverse climate impacts,
Prioritizing, Support andImplement National Adaptation Plans, ensuring alignment with the Global Goal on
Adaptation and African needs,
Increasingreliable and quality adaptation finance to addressglobal and African adaptation finance gaps, setting new targets and reforming the financial system. The Civil Society Organizations, stress the need for financial incentives favorable to Africa like; debt relief, tax waivers, and grants, on top of operationalizing the Lossand Damage Fund.
“………financing is notbeing met, which impacts our food and food systems. The adaptation finance gap
keeps widening. If we leave it to grow, we will find ourselves in a position
where we are unable to fill up this gap……………There is a need for change in the
global financial architecture so that Africa is not stuck in the cycle of debt
and transforms into a bed basket” Notes Mwandwe ChilesheDirector for Food Security, Agriculture and Nutrition, Global Citizen.
The African Civil SocietyOrganizations, also demand that, the Global Stock take (GST) should course correct
Climate Action and respond decisively to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s report that acknowledges Africa as vulnerable and thus need to prioritize closing the adaptation finance gap and doubling adaptation finance while recognizing the link between adaptation and sustainable development.
The Civil Society Organizations’paper also looks at a just transition for adaptation for Africa, which should integrate the principles of equity, increased focus on social vulnerability, and dimensions of justice into the Just Transition Work Programme.
Andlastly, the Civil Society Organizations demand that COP28 addresses climate change impact on food systems at all levels with emphasis on shifting tofarmer-led, rights-based models, promoting gender equity, agroecology, food sovereignty, and protecting Indigenous knowledge.
When it comes to the foodsystem agenda, Bridget Mugambe the Programmes Coordinator, Alliance for Food
Sovereignty in Africa states that, while the prevailing system appears regressive in the face of climate change, the paper champions agroecology, which focuses on diversity, livelihoods for those producing food, and access to
local markets. It also calls for the decentralization of power, placing farmers at the centre of food systems. It also integrates indigenous wisdom, reshaping the narrative and empowering food producers.
Amy Giliam Thorp, SeniorClimate Adaptation and Resilience Policy Advisor at Power Shift Africa says the recommendations of the position paper provide a roadmap for COP28, emphasizing urgency and collective action to address climate challenges.
Read More:
Adaptation and Loss &Damage Position paper: https://www.adapt-2-live.org/cop28positionpaper
Letter to the COP28 president:https://www.adapt-2-live.org/cop28-letter
Adaptation Gap Report of2023: Adaptation Gap Report 2023 | UNEP – UNEnvironment Programme