In a firm stance against industrialized nations, African civil society organizations (CSOs), including Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), have amplified their call for up to $8 trillion annually in climate reparations.
This demand is directed at the wealthier, industrialized countries responsible for much of the global greenhouse gas emissions.
Speaking to the media in Abuja on December 4, 2024, representatives from the CSOs shared their concerns about the outcomes of the recently concluded COP29 climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan.
They argued that the reparations would resolve ongoing disputes over climate financing, which have hindered progress on tackling climate change.
The groups voiced strong support for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). This principle holds wealthier, highly polluting nations accountable for their historical emissions and calls for them to reduce emissions at their source, while providing financial support to vulnerable nations that have contributed the least to the crisis.
COP29, themed as a “Finance COP,” was expected to produce a significant climate finance agreement, particularly following the endorsement of the Loss and Damage mechanism at COP28.
However, the CSOs were disappointed by the conference’s outcomes, which they described as a “spectacular failure” on the financial front. They echoed the sentiments of the Nigerian delegation, which criticized the modest financial offerings, calling them an “insult.”
HOMEF’s Executive Director, Nnimmo Bassey, highlighted the urgency of the issue, noting that 2024 is on track to become the hottest year on record, with catastrophic weather events escalating globally.
The organizations also criticized the policy of nationally determined contributions (NDCs), which are countries’ pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the latest reports from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), even if nations meet their NDCs, global temperatures will rise well beyond the 1.5°C to 2°C targets set by the Paris Agreement.
COP29’s offer of a mere $300 billion in climate finance, scheduled to take effect in 2035, was deemed insufficient by the CSOs.
They argued that this amount, which could potentially come in the form of loans, would further burden developing nations already struggling with massive debt.
They pointed out that the $300 billion was a far cry from the trillions of dollars needed to address the climate crisis.
The groups called on rich nations to prioritize redirecting funds from military expenditures and fossil fuel subsidies.
They also warned against the growing trend of carbon markets, which they claim offer a false solution by allowing polluters to pay for the right to continue harming the environment.
Another key issue raised by the CSOs was “Carbon Colonialism,” with African countries increasingly falling victim to land grabs linked to carbon trading schemes.
They cited examples like the exploitation of mangrove forests in Nigeria and the controversial plan in Niger State to lease significant land to a Brazilian meat company, which could have devastating socio-economic and environmental impacts.
Looking ahead, the CSOs put forward 14 recommendations, including community-led solutions to reduce pollution, recognition of countries that keep fossil fuels underground, and the urgent need for a clean-up of areas polluted by fossil fuel extraction.
They also called for a halt to risky geoengineering experiments and demanded that the energy transition prioritize human rights and gender equality, with communities involved in decision-making processes.
