It is the Africa Climate Week 2023 (ACW) will welcome policymakers, practitioners and civil society representatives from 4-8 September in Nairobi and will be held in conjunction with the Africa Climate Summit on 4-6 September and be hosted by Kenya’s Government of Kenya. As the world faces the challenges of the climate crisis, ACW will address this urgent issue through collaboration and innovative initiatives to bring about radical changes.
ACW will also create momentum for positive and effective results at the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 which will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The COP28 conference will be the culmination of the inaugural Global Stocktake, an opportunity to examine where the world is in the fight against climate change and plan the way forward with more ambition and action to reduce the global temperature rise to 1.5degC. The expansion of the financing of adaptation, climate finance in operation of the climate fund to mitigate damages and losses will be top priorities for the UAE.
“In the face of the profound challenges posed by climate change in Africa, we stand unwavering in our commitment to confront this existential threat to all of humanity,” declared the President William Ruto of Kenya. “Africa’s abundance of wind and solar energy can power our development, creating jobs, protecting local economies, and accelerating the sustainable industrialization of the continent. But for us to lead the way toward a sustainable and prosperous future for our continent and the world, finance and technology must be provided to our developing countries. As we come together at the Africa Climate Summit and the Africa Climate Week, we aim to weave a single, resounding African voice that will carry the outcomes of these crucial events to COP28 and beyond.”
Although Africa’s emissions per capita are considerably less than the global average the continent is heavily affected by global warming and the escalating effects of climate change. Desertification, drought, and cyclones are among the causes that cause the shortage of food, displacement and displacement.
However, the continent is abundant in resources such as renewable energy and minerals, as well as agriculture and natural capital ready to propel its own green development.
“Africa accounts for just four percent of global emissions. Yet it suffers some of the worst effects of rising global temperatures: The people of Africa — and people everywhere — need action to respond to deadly climate extremes. I’m convinced that Africa can be at the heart of a renewable future. Now is the time for all countries to stand as one in defence of our only home,” declared UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
African nations have the potential to lead the way in sustainable energy, renewable land use, and innovating technologies. They are also attracting investment facilitating the transfer of technology, and making African nations a leader in the global transition toward sustainable development.
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, said: “The world is asking a lot: Develop, but don’t do it in the carbon intensive way that we did. It is a global responsibility to collectively work out how we do that. And that’s exactly what we’re here to do. So that African nations can come to COP28 leading in action and ambition. The discussions taking place here will inform the global stocktake about the challenges, barriers, solutions and opportunities for climate action and support within the context of Africa. The UNFCCC Secretariat can work with you to identify the solutions to attain those opportunities.”
It is the Africa Climate Week provides a time-sensitive opportunity prior to COP28 for regional actors to share experiences of overcoming barriers and opportunities that are realized across different countries. It also highlights the ways in which Africa’s industrial development can be aligned with targets of the Paris Agreement and drive economic growth while also reducing environmental impacts.
“Africa Climate Week must be the place where we accelerate climate action across the African continent and finance a just transition to a climate-resilient future – a transition that empowers Africa to take control of its own destiny and become a green leader and economic powerhouse,” said Inger Andersen As the Executive Director for the UN Environment Programme.
Achim Steiner, the Administrator for the UN Development Programme, stressed: “Climate change is reshaping economies and impacting lives and livelihoods. The Africa Climate Week will show the implications of climate change for Africa, but also the solutions emerging from across the continent. Enhanced collaboration can drive progress by integrating climate considerations into economic and development planning, ensuring inclusive, sustainable growth through low-emissions pathways.”
Opportunities exist for stronger cooperation across African boundaries, sectors, and disciplines. However, successful climate action requires active participation across all sectors. The multilateral and government institutions play an important role, however academia, civil society as well as local communities and business are key participants too.
“The Africa climate story is about solutions for sustainable growth, and about innovation and opportunities to bring people out of poverty,” said Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Director at the World Bank. “Clean energy is key to this story. It lifts underserved communities; powers businesses, schools and hospitals; and creates jobs for young Africans. There is much to be done to get financing flowing and help countries leapfrog to low-carbon and clean energy opportunities. Africa is part of the new climate economy in action.”
