By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The African Group of Negotiators has called for a just transition from fossil fuels with developed countries like the US phasing out first, followed by the Middle East and, lastly, African countries.
The Group in a press release said the peculiar nature of each country should determine the timing of transition.
It also noted the need for proper funding and technology transfer needed to facilitate the transition.
Speaking for Africa, AGN said
hat it would not agree on anything unless the continent demands on the Global Goal on Adaptation framework are met. The group has asked for measurable time bound targets, an implementation framework, a mechanism on measuring outcomes and financing as well as GGA being a permanent COP agenda item and a task force.
Rep. Sam Onuigbo, Former Nigeria MP and sponsor of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act said most countries, both developed and developing, are totally misunderstanding the issue of fossil fuels phaseout.
“The science has clearly shown that we need to phase out fossil fuels. However, what we are calling for is a pathway to just transition, and a timeline for phasing out fossil fuels. Once there is a pathway to just transition and a timeline, countries like Nigeria, a fossil fuel based economy, can then strive to put in place a strategic plan for this inevitable occurrence. In view of the devastating impacts of climate change globally, with fossil fuel as the main driver, I think it amounts to self-sabotage for anyone to be against fossil fuels phaseout. It is an inevitable occurrence and we must set a timeline, step up now, key in, and develop a strategic action plan for it. Time is running out.”
According to Julius Ng’oma, National Coordinator, Civil Society Network on Climate Change, Malawi, “COP28 may be considered a failure for Africa and many developing countries if we don’t get a concrete outcome on the global goal on Adaptation which still remains unresolved. The outcome should also come out clear on elaboration of means of implementation for the GGA ensuring that financing will be provided based on the needs of developing countries rather than a simple rhetoric of doubling of adaptation finance based on 2019 baselines which is not commensurate to the needs.”
He added that the language must be phase out of fossils if we are to achieve an ambitious outcome on Mitigation to secure a safe future for the planet.
