Post COP28: Group Raises Doubt On Emission Reduction Commitment

Mr Israel Orekha, the Executive Director of Connected Advocacy for Empowerment and Youth Development Initiative, has raised concern over the ability of countrie , especially from the global North, to honour commitments on emission reduction.

Orekha conveyed his worries in an interview on Thursday in Lagos on the outcome of the just concluded 28 editions of the Conference of Parties (COP28) held in Dubai.

According to him, the conclusion of COP28 leaves a glaring gap in emission reduction commitments, with the agreed text lacking clarity on addressing the concerns of local communities.

He noted that in spite of calls for a transition away from fossil fuels, developed countries retained room to increase their fossil fuel pursuits without clear targets or time-frames for transition, posing a threat to achieving the 1.5°C goal.

“The absence of concrete measures and timelines for achieving a 1.5°C target, coupled with a reliance on greenwashing solutions, continues to expose African lands and waters to vulnerability.

“The outcome of COP28 appears poised to increase carbon market activity, utilizing Africa as a testing ground for offsetting.’’

The executive director said that the agreed text fell short on financial commitments to support developing countries, notably Africa, and lacked specific targets for methane emission reduction.

He added that concerns raised by small Island nations about their exclusion during the finalisation of the text underscored a need for more inclusive decision-making processes.

Orekha said that for African countries to respond to these challenges, it was imperative for them to create a united front.

“Recognising that the global North may not commit beyond charitable donations for climate actions, it is crucial to address the root causes of the climate crisis.

“To keep the 1.5°C goal alive, collaboration between indigenous knowledge and scientific expertise must drive co-creative solutions, emphasizing the importance of technology transfer for a just transition

“As we navigate the aftermath of COP28, the urgent need for a more robust and equitable approach to climate action becomes evident,” Orekha said.

He added that only through collective efforts, genuine commitments, and a fusion of traditional wisdom with modern solutions can stakeholders aspire to achieve meaningful progress toward a sustainable and climate-resilient future.

NAN/Oyenike Oyeniyi