Nairobi Declaration Sets Course for Climate Action and Prosperity

In early September 2023, African Heads of State and Government gathered for the inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS) in Nairobi, Kenya, to address the pressing issue of climate change. They were joined by global leaders, intergovernmental organizations, and various stakeholders. Consequently, the Nairobi Declaration was birthed on 6^th September, 2023. Here are the key points from the Nairobi Declaration.

Background and Context:

The declaration acknowledges the urgency of climate change and its disproportionate impact on Africa.
It recognizes Africa’s potential to play a pivotal role in global climate action due to its renewable energy resources, young workforce, and natural assets.

Climate Change Impact on Africa:

Africa is experiencing faster warming than the rest of the world, leading to adverse impacts on economies, health, education, and security.
Climate-related events like droughts, floods, and wildfires are causing humanitarian crises and harming livelihoods.

Global Responsibility and Commitments:

African nations emphasize their commitment to global climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, based on principles of equity and differentiated responsibilities.
They call on the global community to reduce emissions and fulfill past promises, including the provision of $100 billion in annual climate finance, phasing out coal, and ending fossil fuel subsidies.

Africa’s Role and Potential:

Africa aims to be a leader in climate-positive growth, leveraging its renewable energy resources and natural assets.
The continent is recognized as a significant carbon sink through its forests, peatlands, grasslands, mangroves, and marine reserves.

Key Action Points:

Develop policies to attract green investments, promoting green growth and inclusive economies.
Focus on climate-positive economic development, including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and nature conservation.
Strengthen collaboration within Africa, including regional grid interconnectivity and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Prioritize energy-intensive industries to boost renewable energy deployment and economic activity.
Support smallholder farmers and indigenous communities in transitioning to green economies.
Incorporate climate adaptation into national policies and plans.
Collaborate with other regions for financial, technical, and technological support for climate adaptation.
Invest in climate-resilient urban infrastructure and early warning systems.
Accelerate the implementation of the African Union Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy.

Mobilizing Climate Financing:

Call for collective global action to mobilize capital for both development and climate action.
Propose reforms to the multilateral financial system, including MDB capitalization and governance redesign.
Address high costs of capital in Africa through innovative solutions like foreign exchange guarantees.
Call for new debt relief interventions and instruments to pre-empt debt default.
Advocate for inclusive international tax cooperation to reduce revenue loss in Africa.
Encourage private capital investment through blended finance instruments and guarantee mechanisms.
Increase Africa’s renewable energy generation capacity to address energy poverty and global clean energy demand.
Shift energy-intensive industries to Africa to support renewable energy and reduce global emissions.
Promote access to and transfer of environmentally sound technologies.
Design trade mechanisms that enable fair competition for African products.
Accelerate decarbonization efforts in transport, industry, and electricity sectors.
Reduce the cost of capital for African investment through credit rating data and smart guarantees.
Establish industry policies that incentivize global investment for climate benefits.
Implement measures to increase Africa’s share of carbon markets.

Call to Action:

Urge world leaders to recognize decarbonization as an opportunity for equality and shared prosperity.
Invite development partners to align resources for sustainable use of Africa’s natural assets.
Accelerate ongoing initiatives to reform the multilateral financial system.
Advocate for a global carbon taxation regime and financial transaction tax to fund climate-positive investments.
Propose the establishment of a new financing architecture responsive to Africa’s needs.
Establish the Africa Climate Summit as a biennial event and make climate change an AU theme for 2025 or 2026.

In conclusion, the African Leaders Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action highlights Africa’s determination to address climate change, reduce emissions, and contribute to global decarbonization while pursuing economic growth and equality. It emphasizes the importance of global cooperation, financial support, and innovative solutions to achieve these ambitious climate goals.

About IHES:

The Institute of Human Rights & Environmental Studies (IHES) is an independent think tank in Uganda, dedicated to advancing knowledge and awareness in Human Rights and Environmental sustainability. IHES collaborates with partners, focuses on policy, conducts studies, and provides training to empower individuals to champion these causes.