• The civil society said the summit must empower women and girls as agents of change and leaders in climate action, ensuring their full, equal and meaningful participation
• Deliberations during the summit must promote fair, just and equitable distribution of the benefits and burdens of climate action, it said
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Civil society organisations have demanded that the upcoming Africa Climate Summit deliver tangible results on the devastating impacts of climate change.
The summit and Climate Week are set to take in Nairobi in September at the KICC.
Activists on Monday said the summit is exceedingly shrinking into the usual elite jamboree, which will end up just like any other forum conducted in pomp and colour, and profound expectations, only to fade away later.
Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance executive director Mithika Mwenda, who read a statement on behalf of other non-state actors, said they are deeply concerned about the impacts of the climate crisis on the continent and its people.
“We demand that all debates and decisions at the summit respect, protect, and fulfil the human rights of all people,” Mwenda said.
“Especially those left vulnerable and marginalised by the effects of climate change, such as indigenous peoples, women, children, persons with disabilities and poor communities.”
Mwenda said the deliberations during the summit must promote fair, just and equitable distribution of the benefits and burdens of climate action within and between countries.
They should take into account historical responsibility, capacity and different levels of development, he said.
The summit must empower women and girls as agents of change and leaders in climate action, ensuring their full, equal, and meaningful participation in decision-making processes at all levels, he said.
It should also address the gender-specific impacts of climate change on their lives and livelihoods, he said.
“The summit must secure the rights and interests of present and future generations,” Mwenda said.
“It should ensure they have access to a healthy and sustainable environment, adequate resources and opportunities to thrive in a low-carbon and climate-resilient world.”
Mwenda said the devastating effects of droughts, floods, cyclones, desertification, food insecurity, displacement and conflicts are being witnessed.
He said developed countries have played a key role in causing and exacerbating this crisis, and failed o provide adequate support to the most vulnerable countries and communities.
Mwenda said the summit offers a unique opportunity for the continent, through its leaders, to raise the urgency of addressing the climate emergency and protecting the rights and livelihoods of its citizens.
He said non-state actors must be allowed to take an active role before, during and after the summit.
Mwenda said African leaders must reject false solutions and narratives that undermine African communities' rights, interests and sovereignty, such as carbon markets, geo-engineering, nuclear energy and the principle of shared responsibilities.
He said some of the proposals are promoted by powerful interests that benefit from maintaining the status quo of fossil fuel dependence, and they divert attention and resources from the real solutions that are urgently needed.
He said African leaders must critically examine the claims and evidence behind any proposed solution.
“They must make it a duty to the African people to ask questions such as: Who is promoting it and why?” Mwenda said.
“What are the assumptions and uncertainties involved? How does it affect the root causes and drivers of greenhouse gas emissions? What are the potential trades-offs and co-benefits for other environmental and social issues? How does it align with the principles of climate justice and human rights?”
Mwenda said the leaders must uphold transparent and participatory decision-making processes involving diverse stakeholders.
Kgaugelo Chiloane from South Africa said the just energy transition must be led by Africans.
“Just transition should be inclusive and people-centred,” she said.
Chiloane said African countries must push to ensure that loss and damage funds are released as quickly as possible, adding that the impacts of climate change are being felt now.
She urged the international community to fast-track the release of resources under loss and damage.
Close to 20,000 delegates are expected to attend the summit.
During the event, other high-level dignitaries and heads of international organisations and financial institutions, in addition to representatives from academia, researchers, civil society, women and youth from across the world, will attend.
The summit has been organised around five key thematic areas, namely: energy transition, green minerals and manufacturing, sustainable agriculture and land use, sustainable infrastructure and natural capital.