This year, the United Nations’ annual climate change conference—known as Cop27—is taking place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from November 6 to 18. Despite being the fifth Cop to be held in Africa, the event is already being dubbed by many as “the African Cop,” with the location proving particularly significant due to the devastating impact the climate crisis is already having on the continent.
Conversations are likely to focus on “loss and damage,” referring to the heavy financial burden placed on countries in the global south due to climate change. Many are calling for a loss and damage facility, or fund, financed by wealthy nations in the global north. This would help compensate poorer countries that are most affected by rising global temperatures, despite being the least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.
As world leaders gather in Egypt to discuss how to best tackle the climate crisis, six African activists share their hopes for Cop27.
Adenike Oladosu, Nigeria
“This is the 27th Conference Of Parties, [yet we’re] still negotiating our realities; so many promises are yet to be fulfilled. At Cop27, we want to see actions beyond negotiation and promises. Climate finance has to be at the center of it all. Rather than channeling finance into opening coal plants or investing in fossil fuels, it should be channeled towards innovations aimed at sustainable development, the establishment of a loss and damage fund, and adaptation and mitigation.
“Africa accounts for only four percent of global emissions, so polluters should not be allowed to influence decisions for their good. Rather, decisions should be taken in favor of vulnerable countries, like mine, that are affected the most by the climate crisis.”
Raeesah Noor-Mahomed, South Africa
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