Conference of the Parties (COP28): African civil society unveils its recommendations for the fight against climate change in Africa

Conference of the Parties (COP28): African civil society unveils its recommendations for the fight against climate change in Africa

At the United Nations’ climate conference COP 28 an African civil society coalition has unveiled its five absolute priorities to fight climate change: adaptation, loss and damage, food systems; land use; and the protection and restoration of forests. The priorities were announced by Secou Sarr, Executive Secretary of ENDA-Tiers Monde, representing a collective of African non-governmental organizations (NGOs) at a side event held on Tuesday 5 December, at the ongoing United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) in Dubai. These NGOs gathered around a common platform launched at COP28 - the "African Development Bank Group-Civil Society Coalition on Climate and Energy". Standing together, the groups intend to have greater influence on debate at COP28. Africa is the continent that suffers the most from the effects of climate change but receives the least climate finance. African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina made the case to coalition members for the continent to be able to benefit from its natural resources. "African economies should not be measured by GDP; we should assess Africa's wealth on the basis of its natural capital", he said. "Its immense mineral, forestry and renewable energy resources should all be taken into account." "The Congo Basin, the largest carbon