Climate change is a big problem that affects everyone on Earth. It causes extreme weather, rising sea levels, and damage to the environment. To help solve this problem, leaders from around the world have come together to create agreements that aim to reduce pollution and protect the planet. One of the most important agreements is the Paris Agreement, which was made in 2015. This agreement encourages countries to work together to lower greenhouse gas emissions and slow down global warming.
Since then, world leaders have continued to meet at conferences like COP26, COP29, and others to find better ways to fight climate change. Some countries are making strong efforts, but progress has been slow.
In Africa, many countries are taking action by launching projects like the Great Green Wall, which helps stop desertification, and the African Adaptation Initiative, which helps communities adjust to climate changes. African nations also participate in global climate conferences, pushing for financial support to help them fight climate change. Even though some countries are making progress, there is still a lot of work to do.
THE PARIS AGREEMENT AT COP21
Climate change is a major global problem; it poses a fatal threat to all living things. Cooperation of all countries and people is required in order to achieve a swift reversal of the planet’s rising temperatures.
This is what the United Nations attempted to achieve through the Paris Agreement that was reached in 2015. This is an agreement between world leaders of 190 countries and the European Union, reached at the 21st UN Climate Change Conference (COP21).
The Paris Agreement is a legally binding treaty and the goal is to galvanize resources and strategies to combat climate change and the negative impact it has on the planet, people, and all other living organisms.
Briefly, this is what world leaders agreed:
- Limit the global temperature increase to 2°C by 2050 then to 1.5°C by reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally. Some countries like the United States made “net zero” or “carbon neutral” pledges.
- To assist developing countries financially to mitigate climate change and enable them to adapt to global warming impacts.
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To review commitments by countries every five years.
The Paris Agreement is an ideal proposition on paper—but the countries and companies are not doing enough to reduce the warning rapidly in order to meet the goal.
At the pace it’s going, considering most governments are not honoring their commitments fully, the efforts of the Paris Agreement might not be able to reduce global warming to 2°C by 2050.
The 2021 IPCC report on Climate Change indicated that the submitted Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 113 countries that are part of the Paris Agreement show that when compared with 2010 information, greenhouse gas emissions are projected to decrease by 12% in 2030.
This falls short of what the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) proposed in order to meet the emissions goals. IPCC estimated that carbon dioxide emissions have to be reduced by 45% in order to limit global warming to 1.5C by 2030.
The IPCC report also found that greenhouse gas emissions will increase by 16% in 2030. This is a discouraging finding—in a quest to reduce global warming, we have forgotten (somehow) to seriously and drastically minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
As for developing countries, they may be ambitious but not able to implement bold measures since the USD 100 billion pledge to be paid annually by developed countries, by 2020, has not come to fruition (“Full NDC Synthesis Report: Some Progress, but Still a Big Concern”, UNFCCC, updated September 17, 2021).
COP26 IN GLASGOW, SCOTLAND
In November 2021, the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference was held in Glasgow, Scotland. The same message we have been hearing from these kinds of meetings was delivered—reducing coal production, investing in renewable energy, switching to electrical vehicles, and etcetera.
The agreement reached—The Glasgow Climate Pact—specifically called countries to:
- “Phase down” coal and inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.
- Reduce methane emissions by 30% by the year 2030.
- Reverse deforestation
(“Countries strike deal at COP26 climate summit after last-minute compromise on coal”, Sam Meredith, CNBC, updated November 14, 2021).
The goal set by the 2015 Paris Agreement was re-emphasized at the COP26 conference in Glasgow— to limit the global temperature increase to well below 2 degrees Celsius by 2050, preferably 1.5 degrees Celsius, above pre-industrial levels.
Concerning Issues about COP26 in Glasgow
In 2015 at the Paris conference, the demand was to “phase out” coal; this clearly shows that some countries are not ready to “phase out” coal within the targeted time frame but just phase down. This terminology change is concerning as this waters down the strict expectation to quickly replace fossil fuels.
Also concerning was who attended COP26. There were more attendees from the fossil fuel industry than each country's delegates. If fossil fuels are the major climate change offenders, why are representatives of this industry given the front seat to decide on the demise of fossil fuels?
Climate Justice: Developing Countries Demand Financial Compensation
With regards to claims made by low-income countries and their grievances, nothing concrete was agreed.
Developing countries have experienced the rough hand of climate change despite being the least emitters of greenhouse gases. These countries want financial compensation for damage and loss to people's lives, way of life, and infrastructure caused by rich countries that are heavily contributing to global warming.
The agreement reached at COP26 concerning this issue is not legally binding and until funds are paid to these poor countries, it seems climate justice is farfetched for now (“Countries strike deal at COP26 climate summit after last-minute compromise on coal”, Sam Meredith, CNBC, updated November 14, 2021).
COP29 IN BAKU, AZERBAIJAN
COP29 took place in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11 to 22, 2024. Leaders from around the world met to discuss how to fight climate change.
$300 Pledge Every Year to Developing Countries
Attendees agreed that richer countries would provide at least $300 billion each year by 2035 to help developing countries deal with climate challenges.
This money is meant to assist these nations in moving away from fossil fuels, adapting to a warmer planet, and addressing damages from extreme weather.
However, some developing countries felt this amount wasn't enough to cover all their needs (reuters.com). They believe more funds are necessary to effectively combat climate change. Despite these concerns, the agreement is seen as an important first step toward providing more financial support in the future.
Carbon Credits
The COP29 summit also approved new rules for carbon markets, allowing countries to trade carbon credits.
This system aims to encourage nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by providing financial incentives. While some worry about potential loopholes, many view this as a positive move toward global cooperation in addressing climate change.
Overall, COP29 highlighted the ongoing challenges in securing sufficient funding and cooperation to effectively tackle climate change. The agreements made are seen as steps in the right direction, but many acknowledge that more efforts are needed to meet the pressing demands of our changing climate.
Reaction to COP29 both Supporters & Critics
COP29 Supporters' Perspectives: Proponents view the $300 billion agreement as a significant advancement in global climate finance. Ed Miliband, the UK's Energy Secretary, acknowledged that while the deal didn't meet all expectations, it marked a step forward (theguardian.com). He emphasized the UK's commitment to forming a global coalition to push for stronger climate action and highlighted the importance of climate finance in protecting vulnerable countries.
Additionally, the conference achieved progress on carbon markets by ratifying a framework under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement. This establishes a UN-backed body to regulate international carbon credit trading, potentially unlocking billions in climate finance for developing countries.
COP29 Critics' Perspectives: Conversely, critics argue that the $300 billion commitment is insufficient to address the escalating challenges posed by climate change. Developing nations, including India and Nigeria, expressed dissatisfaction, asserting that their needs were overlooked and that the negotiation process was unfair. India's lead negotiator described the deal as a "travesty of justice" (apnews.com).
During the COP29 climate summit in Baku, representatives from the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) walked out of negotiations on November 23, 2024. This protest was led by Cedric Schuster, the Samoan chairman of AOSIS, who expressed frustration over their concerns being overlooked in the finance discussions (thetimes.co.uk). The walkout included delegates from 39 Small Island Developing States and 45 Least Developed Countries, totaling 84 nations. Delegates from Malawi in Africa, Cambodia, and Haiti are some who walked out.
Furthermore, the conference faced controversies, such as the absence of multiple world leaders who attended the G20 meeting in Brazil instead, and the perception that the conference did not meet expectations.
In summary, while COP29's outcomes are seen by some as a positive step in global climate finance, others believe the commitments fall short of what is necessary to effectively combat climate change, highlighting ongoing tensions between developed and developing nations in addressing this global issue.
AFRICAN COUNTRIES’ ACTIONS ON CLIMATE CHANGE
African nations are actively addressing climate change through various initiatives and by participating in international forums. Their efforts focus on adaptation, mitigation, and collaboration to build resilience against climate impacts.
Climate Action Africa Forum 2024 (CAAF24)
Held in Lagos, Nigeria, from June 17 to 19, 2024, CAAF24 brought together government officials, business leaders, academics, and climate experts to discuss and promote climate-smart development in Africa. The forum emphasized the importance of innovating and investing in sustainable solutions to address climate change on the continent. A notable initiative launched during the event was the 'Billion Trees for Africa' campaign, aiming to mitigate environmental degradation through extensive tree planting (caaf.africa and ClimateAction.Africa).
Africa Climate Change Fund (ACCF)
Established by the African Development Bank in 2014, the ACCF supports African countries in transitioning to climate-resilient, low-carbon economies. It finances projects that enhance access to climate funds and implement adaptation strategies. As of its latest reports, the ACCF has approved multiple grants, aiding numerous African nations in bolstering their climate resilience.
Great Green Wall (GGW)
Launched by the African Union in 2007, the GGW aims to combat desertification by creating a mosaic of green and productive landscapes across North Africa. The project seeks to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land, capture 250 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, and create 10 million jobs by 2030.
African Adaptation Initiative (AAI)
African Adaptation Initiative was initiated during the 2015 COP21 conference. The AAI enhances adaptation actions and addresses loss and damage in Africa. It focuses on increasing knowledge about climate adaptation, promoting collaboration, and facilitating resource mobilization for implementation.
Participation in United Nations Conferences
African countries actively engage in UN climate conferences, advocating for support and equitable solutions:
COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan (2024): African nations played a crucial role in negotiations, emphasizing the need for financial support to address climate challenges. The summit resulted in a pledge of $300 billion annually by 2035 to assist developing countries in transitioning to sustainable practices. However, some African representatives felt this amount was insufficient, highlighting ongoing challenges in securing adequate funding. Delegates from many least developed countries walked out of the COP29 meetings as they believed the initial amount offered was unfair. Delegates from Malawi in Africa were among those who walked out.
The Loss and Damage Fund: During COP28 in 2023, the Loss and Damage Fund was established to compensate developing countries for irreversible harms caused by global heating. However, recent developments indicate that the US has withdrawn from this agreement, undermining international cooperation and hindering efforts to support vulnerable countries facing severe climate impact.
President Trump signed an executive order, on his first day in office, withdrawing from the Fund agreement, calling it “unfair, one-sided Paris climate accord rip-off” (US exits fund that compensates poorer countries for global heating, The Guardian, updated March 7, 2025).
In summary, African nations are proactively addressing climate change through regional initiatives and active participation in global forums. Strengthening these efforts and ensuring robust support from the international community are vital for building a sustainable and resilient future for the continent.
Conclusion
Countries around the world are working to stop climate change, but progress has been slow. While agreements like the Paris Agreement and COP meetings have set important goals, not all countries are keeping their promises. Developing countries, especially in Africa, need more support to deal with climate problems. Many African nations are already taking steps to protect the environment, such as planting trees, creating climate funds, and pushing for fair climate policies. However, they still need financial help from wealthier nations to fully tackle the problem.
Pollution levels are still too high, and the effects of climate change are getting worse. Some efforts, like switching to clean energy and restoring forests, are helping, but bigger actions are needed. If countries, businesses, and people work together and stay committed, there is still hope to slow down climate change and create a healthier future for everyone.