•The report shows adaptation globally is under financed and countries are underprepared to initiate adaptation actions.
•The CSOs insist that COP28’s success hinges on funding and operationalising the Loss and Damage fund.
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African Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have demanded the adaptation of the financial gap ahead of COP 28, as countries require an estimated $387 billion per year.
Among other demands are; a comprehensive framework for the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and support and implementation of national adaptation plans which should align with African needs.
More than 200 CSOs wrote a letter to the COP28 presidency to set a precedent by championing a strong climate adaptation agenda.
Additionally, the CSOs demand the fulfillment of commitments to double adaptation funding, set new targets, reform the financial system, and prioritising accessible finance.
Director for Food Security, Agriculture, and Nutrition Global Citizen Mwandwe Chileshe said the adaptation finance gap keeps widening.
"Adaptation demands a large amount of financing and that financing is not being met, which impacts our food systems. If we leave it to grow, we will find ourselves in a position where we are unable to fill up this gap. Our actions to address this gap as stated in the position paper also demand that the process be as transparent as possible," Chileshe said.
On her part, Senior Climate Adaptation and Resilience Policy Advisor at Power Shift Africa Amy Thorp said the GGA should have clear ambitious targets fostering adaptation action.
"It emphasises key recommendations to ensure that the goal is ambitious and effective, developing and agreeing on a strong overarching target. Importantly, this target would be a way to signal political will and investment in people, livelihoods, ecosystems, and increased finance. The recommendations of the position paper provide a roadmap for COP28, emphasizing urgency and collective action to address climate challenges," she said.
Policy Advisor for Climate Loss and Damage German Watch Lina Ahmed said the paper comprehensively addresses recommendations for the Loss and Damage fund.
She said it stresses the critical need for substantial capitalization.
"At COP28, we call for pledges at the appropriate scale, reaching into the billions. Crucially, there should be a mechanism for a robust follow-up to ensure pledged amounts align with the actual scale required. There is a need to enhance the governing instrument's effectiveness and human rights principles should be incorporated. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of a transparent exit strategy, especially if recommendations lead to the fund's transition from World Bank hosting," she said.
The group further stressed the need to incentivise financing options favourable to Africa, such as debt relief, tax waivers, and grants.
They also say that a just transition for adaptation is essential in Africa.
The CSOs insist that COP28’s success hinges on funding and operationalising the Loss and Damage fund.
They therefore call for the launch of technical assistance through the Santiago Network on loss and damage and ensuring effective governance for the fund.
The report launch precedes COP28 scheduled to take place in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, pushing for unwavering commitment to its delivery.
The report shows adaptation globally is underfinanced and countries are underprepared to initiate adaptation actions.
By launching the common position paper, the African CSOs passionately call for the urgent need for decisive actions and commitment at COP28 to address the disproportionate vulnerability of the continent to climate change.
They cite the recommendations presented in the paper as a reflection of a collective call for a sustainable, just, and resilient future for Africa and the global community.
The launch of the position paper comes only two weeks after the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released its Adaptation Gap Report of 2023.