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The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) have urged a shift in global climate action toward a science-based approach that addresses Africa’s increasing vulnerability to climate change.

Speaking at the 13th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa in Addis Ababa on Friday, AGN Chair Richard Muyungi stressed that the continent cannot continue relying solely on external data and climate models.

“African science must be at the forefront of shaping climate action and adaptation,” he said, while calling for the adoption of needs-driven climate finance.

Muyungi emphasized that Africa is entering a new phase of climate diplomacy—one that recognizes its ecological wealth and is guided by scientific evidence. He also underscored that climate finance is not charity, but rather a right, a responsibility, and a measure of trust, urging developed nations to support adaptation efforts in Africa and other vulnerable regions.

Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of PACJA, echoed these concerns, noting that Africa contributes the least to global greenhouse gas emissions yet suffers the most from their impacts.

“Meeting Africa’s climate goals by 2030 will require nearly $3 trillion, but the continent receives just 3–4 percent of global climate finance flows. This is unacceptable,” Mwenda said.

He further highlighted the systemic exclusion of Africa’s most vulnerable populations from global decision-making on climate policy. “We must press for structural reforms in the international financial system and demand fair, timely, and unhindered access to the Loss and Damage Fund,” Mwenda added.

In 2024 alone, more than 110 million Africans were affected by climate-related disasters, including widespread flooding in the Sahel, severe droughts in Southern Africa, and record-breaking heatwaves that devastated northern farmlands.

Running until Sunday, the Addis Ababa conference brings together policymakers, academics, researchers, and other stakeholders under the theme “Empowering Africa’s Climate Action with Science, Finance, and Just Transition.”

Source: Xinhua News Agency