By Jeff Kapembwa
‘Africa is warming faster than the global average because it stands on the frontlines of the climate crisis and needs climate justice.’ says United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
Raising eyebrows at the unabated climate injustices perpetuated by major polluters-many under the G 20 group of rich nations, Guterres reiterates the urgency for Africa to be relieved of the impending catastrophe.
He raises a red flag calling for the limitation of the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, a call for joint action to stop the crisis from spiraling even further and out of control. Estimates by climate scientists’ raises fear of heightening climatic change in temperatures.
By next year, scientists argue, temperatures are likely to rise above 2 degrees and urged all countries to deliver new economy-wide national climate action plans—popularly known as-NDCs—aligned with 1.5 degrees.
He told Pretoria-based reporters Tuesday that Africa, one of the least polluters-with an estimated 4 degrees Celsius being emitted should suffer at the expense of the callous hands of the developed nations that have an appetite for emitting GreenHouse Gases (GHGs), while least development countries take the blunt.
“Africa needs climate justice. Despite causing minimal emissions, climate change is pummelling your people and pounding your economies and as the biggest emitters, the G20 must lead the way.” He later met South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa and discussed various issues of interest.
These new plans, he argues should cover all emissions and the whole economy, accelerate fossil fuel phase-out, and contribute to the energy transition goals agreed at COP28.
He challenged the developed countries to support emerging economies with technological capacities and know-how to drastically reduce fossil fuel consumption and accelerate the renewables revolution swiftly and fairly.
By implication, it entails creating innovative models of international cooperation, such as the Just Energy Transition Partnership that South Africa has been the first pioneer, and that has been copied afterwards in several countries in other parts of the world, namely in Asia.
This also means developed countries fulfilling their finance commitments by keeping their promise to double adaptation finance, and meaningfully contributing to the Loss and Damage Fund.
On the ‘unfulfilled: ‘Loss and Damage Fund created, during a recent COP meeting, he lamented the slow-start to pledges-equated the yearly salaries of the ten best players – best football players in the world.
The poor response gives an idea that when the discussions start on the Loss and Damage Fund, it is a serious matter.
Guterres calls for renewed vigor towards actualizing the Loss and Damage Fund to effectively support developing countries.
The UN cites injustice in today’s global financial system, leaving several countries with debt service costs while denying them access to sufficient low-cost financing to fight poverty, inequality and hunger and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He called for collaborated efforts in redressing the injustices, describing them worsening climate change and are being committed globally and with impunity.
He warns perpetrators of severe consequences and that they be made to account for their misdeeds affecting humanity in the climate change crisis. Perpetrators of injustice and lust for power have reversed gains made in attaining world peace.
“Injustice in worsening climate chaos—which Africans did virtually nothing to cause—that fuels everywhere in Africa floods, storms, hunger and deadly droughts.” Said Guterres while throwing his weight on South Africa to strengthen its resolve to liberate Africa.
“I stand side-by-side with President Ramaphosa and the people of Africa in this fight for justice on all fronts. Africa needs financial justice.”
On low financing available for Africa and despite its fast growing young generation, called for that country to ensure the new role of ‘presidency of the G20’ to help reverse shortcomings heightened by the shadow of colonialism.
“This continent’s potential is without question. Africa is home to a young and growing population, rich cultural and natural diversity, and a tremendous entrepreneurial spirit. But this enormous potential continues to be held back by injustices that are deeply rooted in the history of colonialism.”
In September, world leaders adopted the Pact for the Future. The Pact includes commitments for ambitious reforms to make the international financial architecture representative of today’s global economy and put the needs of developing countries front and centre.
It calls for action to move forward with an SDG Stimulus. To substantially increase the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks to make them bigger, bolder and better to support developing countries.
It is obliged to help mobilise more international and domestic resources, public and private, for vital investments.
The UN recently appointed a group of leading experts to galvanise international support for action on debt, and would be led by South African-born- Trevor Manuel to help mobilise resources and help build among others, help Africa build green economies anchored in renewable energy.
“It is an absurdity that Africa is home to 60 per cent of the world’s best solar resources—but only two per cent of global investments in solar power. We must change this.” Guterres said, arguing:
“And we must ensure that Africa’s critical mineral resources—that can power the renewables revolution worldwide—benefit Africans first and most. We cannot repeat the mistakes of the past.
The UN Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, co-chaired by South Africa, identified a set of principles and recommendations to empower communities, create accountability, and ensure that clean energy drives equitable and resilient growth, with maximum added value for producing countries, instead of exporting raw material with very low value.