As the Conference of the Parties (COP30) unfolds in Belem, Brazil, the world is anxiously awaiting positive outcomes from the hundreds of delegates from over 190 countries who have gathered to deliberate on the climate change crisis threatening the planet.
However, there is a need to ask difficult questions. Are these just meetings, convened yearly, with heavy promises but no action? Are they impactful? What have been the greatest outcomes from COP?
For Africa, climate change poses one of the greatest challenges of our time. There has been a steady rise in temperatures, with severe ripple effects on communities. This has continued to strain the continent’s meagre resources and put millions of people at risk.
All this is happening when it is evident that the African continent contributes less than four percent to global greenhouse gas emissions.
The region faces an escalating range of climate-related challenges, including prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, desertification, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events such as cyclones and heat waves, conditions that have continued to threaten food security, water availability, infrastructure, and economic stability across the continent.
Agriculture, which serves as the backbone of many African economies and employs a significant portion of the population, is particularly at risk.
With the majority of agricultural activities rain-fed, unpredictable weather patterns have led to reduced crop yields, increased livestock mortality, and a higher risk of famine, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.
Smallholder and medium farmers, who produce more than 70 percent of Africa’s food, are unable to produce enough, which is posing more challenges to the continent’s ability to feed itself.
For instance, a 2024 World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) report highlighted a 10 percent drop in North Africa’s cereal production in 2023 compared to the previous five-year average, while erratic rainfall disrupted farming in Sudan, Uganda, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Kenya.
The WMO has confirmed that 2024 was the warmest year on record. Going forward, there is a likelihood that land, sea surface temperatures, and ocean heat will continue increasing.
This, therefore, means that we are still in danger, and a lot has to be done. The ripple effects will continue to destroy marine ecosystems, leading to an increase in vector-borne diseases such as malaria and diarrhoea.
The recent example of Lake Naivasha in Kenya, which has in recent months swelled to swallow farms, business and homes, leading to massive destruction of lives and livelihoods, is another clear indication that we need to have serious policies about our environment before we all perish.
This is why COP must be treated with more seriousness, with the assurance that the promises made will be actioned.
It must never be reduced to a gathering with fiery speeches and enticing pledges. Still, it must be held as a session to pose and deliberate on progress made, shortcomings and chart a way forward for action on the climate crisis.
The deliberations made will mean life or death for millions of people, not just in Africa but throughout the world.
Therefore, one of the most critical discussions must be about loss and damage for Africa. There must be a review of previous financial commitments and an audit of what has been delivered since the last discussions in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The commitments made at COP 30 will provide a lifeline for the world. Climate action can no longer be postponed. Let there be action. The world has heard enough promises.
