Climate change is a universal threat that disrupts ecosystems, threatens food security, and increases the frequency of natural disasters. Africa is particularly vulnerable, with countries like Cameroon experiencing prolonged droughts, floods, and loss of biodiversity.
The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) which ended on the 22nd of November 2024 in Baku Azerbaïdjan, was a critical moment for climate Change action.
It was an opportunity for countries to analyze how far they have come and re-strategies to save humanity.
Several issues were discussed and concluded at COP 29 with Africa demanding a financial assistance of $ 1.3 trillion annually for climate financing.
One of the participants,Cameroonian born Environmental Expert Afanyu Yembe, the Executive Director of African Coalition for Sustainable Energy and Access,ACESA presented a range of measures to curb the disaster.
Our Environmental Reporter Sat down for a one-on -one interview with the Communication Officer of the African Coalition for Sustainable Energy and Access,ACSEA who doubles as the Africa coordinator of Youth For Adaptation Finance in Africa,YAF.
We wanted to find out what his institution presented before world leaders and many more.
Journalist:Why is climate change a global worry?
Respondent:Climate change is a global worry because its impacts are universal, transcending borders and affecting all countries, particularly the most vulnerable ones. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, melting ice caps,and rising sea levels, disrupting ecosystems, threatening food security, and increasing the frequency of natural disasters. Additionally, climate change exacerbates inequalities, creating economic, social, and health challenges worldwide.
Journalist :What was discussed at the COP 29 Summit?
Respondent:At COP 29, the main discussions revolved around implementing the commitments of the Paris Agreement, with a focus on limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Key topics include:
- The NCQG Which stands for the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance. It is a mechanism under negotiation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to replace the current $100 billion annual climate finance target set in 2009 for developed countries to support developing nations.
Key Details about the NCQG;
Purpose
- Provide financial support to developing countries for climate mitigation, adaptation, and addressing loss and damage.
- Ensure an equitable and sufficient flow of climate finance to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
Scope:
- The NCQG aims to consider the varying needs of developing nations, taking into account the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR).
- It will focus not only on the quantity of finance but also its quality, accessibility, and transparency.
Journalist:What concrete actions can be taken to save the environment?
Respondent:To save the environment, the following actions are crucial:
- Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
- Promoting sustainable agriculture and agroforestry to protect biodiversity.
- Implementing energy efficiency and green technology innovations.
- Educating communities and fostering global cooperation for sustainable practices.
Journalist:What input did Cameroon or your institution presented on the global table?
Respondent:Cameroon, through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by prioritizing renewable energy and reforestation efforts. My institution, the African Coalition for Sustainable Energy and Access, emphasizes:
- Youth inclusion in climate decision-making processes.
- Advocating for sustainable energy access across Africa to drive green development especially for Adaptation purposes.
- Showcasing the potential of bio-fertilizers to reduce chemical dependency in agriculture.
- Ensuring grassroots communities benefit from climate adaptation and resilience-building projects.
Journalist:How is climate change affecting Cameroon?
Respondent:Climate change affects Cameroon significantly, with impacts such as:
- Prolonged droughts in the northern regions, reducing agricultural productivity.
- Unpredictable rainfall patterns leading to floods, especially in urban areas like Douala.
- Loss of biodiversity in forests like the Congo Basin.
- Health challenges from heat-waves and vector-borne diseases such as malaria.
- Increased vulnerability of rural communities reliant on subsistence farming.
Journalist:As an environmental activist, what proposal do you have to curb climate change?
Respondent:My proposals include:
- Just Energy Transition: Advocate for a rapid shift to renewable energy solutions tailored to Africa’s needs. But for us to do this, the global north needs to completely stop emissions from their end
- Policy Advocacy: Push for stricter enforcement of laws enabling a people centered approach to the energy access landscape in Africa.
- Community Empowerment: Support grassroots climate education programs to drive behavior change.
- Innovative Farming: Scale up the use of biofertilizers to enhance sustainable agriculture.
- Regional Cooperation: Strengthen African alliances to access global climate funds and share innovative solutions.
- Youth Engagement: Mobilize young people as climate ambassadors to champion environmental initiatives in their communities.
These measures, combined with global solidarity, can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and secure a sustainable future for all. By Afanyu N Benjamin
