By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
As the world prepare for the UNFCCC COP28 beginning in UAE this week, the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) has intensified meetings to raise issues concerning the continent.
At the AGN preparatory plenary meeting with the COP28 Incoming Presidency team led by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Adnan Amin, AGN Chair, Ephraim Mwepya Shitima expressed concern with delays in operationalising the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA)—a crucial agenda for Africa’s adaptation to negative effects of climate change.
Shitima reiterated the importance of adaptation to Africa but noted with concern that the GGA mandate is not getting the political attention it deserves.
“For the African Group, we have shared the most important deliverables for COP28 with you. We are concerned with the delay in operationalising the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA). COP28 is where we must deliver on GGA as the work plan will be concluded. COP28 should adopt a robust GGA decision with clear targets that promote resilience,” said Shitima.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Africa is projected to bear an increasing proportion of the global exposed and vulnerable population of global warming while poverty and limited financing continue to undermine adaptive capacity, particularly in rapidly growing African cities.
Other priorities highlighted by the AGN Chair included; the need to adopt a Global Stocktake decision that catalyses greater ambition across all elements of climate action, i.e. adaptation, loss and damage, mitigation and means of implementation centred on equity; the Just Transition work programme aimed at promoting sustainable development; and climate finance where developed countries are being requested to make meaningful financial commitments, both in quality and wuantity, as per their obligation under the climate convention as well as the Paris Agreement
And COP28 CEO, Ambassador Adnan Amin reaffirmed the incoming Presidency’s commitment to Africa’s special needs and circumstances.
“We agree, and various scientific scenarios have shown that Africa is indeed impacted more than other regions. The ambition of Africa is important on every aspect of the Paris Agreement, and we look forward to constructive engagements with the Arica group to ensure that we have ambitious and positive outcomes at COP28. As you may have noted, since the beginning, the Presidency has been putting pressure on developed countries to deliver on old promises and new commitments. We have also made it a strong part of our campaign on the doubling of adaptation finance,” said Ambassador Amin.
