Africa’s needs overlooked at COP28

Tuesday, December 19, 2023 | 290 Views |

Harsh reality: African countries wanted COP28 to focus on funding measures to alleviate climate change, but the meeting paid more attention to reducing carbon emissions. Africa contributes less than four percent of global emissions PIC: BBC

Africa, the continent least responsible for climate change but most affected by it, went to COP28 in Dubai seeking funding to help cope with the effects of the crisis. Negotiators returned this week with little to show for the two-week long negotiations. Mmegi Correspondent, BABOKI KAYAWE* was in the UAE

MAUN: The deal that emerged on Wednesday from the two week-long climate talks in Dubai has been hailed as a big win on “phasing down” unabated fossils, but it is not exactly what African negotiators were pushing for.

The call for a fossil fuel “phase out”, not “phase down” was heavily backed by protesters and campaigners as an urgent climate action, with the push having garnered electrifying momentum at Expo City 2020, the host venue for the just ended United Arab Emirates Conference of Parties (COP) climate talks.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

africa

African leaders meet amidst global trade tensions

Mbongeni Mguni |
27 June 2025

Kicking off: Delegates arrive at the Afreximbank Annual Meeting in Abuja, Nigeria PIC: MBONGENI MGUNI

Africa taught the world about decolonisation, so why have we gone quiet about it?

Ntibinyane Ntibinyane |
13 June 2025

In most African countries today, decolonisation is no longer central to the national conversation

Olukemi Badenoch, née Adegoke: An African destined to save and rule Britannia?

BETTY KNIGHT |
17 January 2025

Search continues for Maun boy feared to have been taken by a crocodile

Larona Makhaiza | 13 h ago

Inimba Gets the Nod for Season 2 on Mzansi Magic

correspondent | 17 h ago

Peace conference addresses growing list of social ills

Laone Choeunyane | 21 h ago

GAYO Botswana and BA ISAGO University Forge Major Partnership to Advance Climate Education and Youth Leadership

correspondent | 21 h ago

Pastor accused of defiling Teen during counselling session

Larona Makhaiza | 21 h ago

FIFA World Cup draw – The countdown begins!

correspondent | 23 h ago

DIS Director's daughter rape case stalls

Larona Makhaiza,Opelo Rakereng | 23 h ago

Main Mall’s resilience, sturdiness in the face of stiff competition

Ryder Gabathuse | 28 Nov 2025

Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health

It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...

The Monitor Editor | 02 December 2025

Explore

More