Stakeholders advocate regional-based climate solutions for West Africa

Climate change stakeholders have canvassed for political outcomes that will build a system of codesigned climate solutions that incorporate the regional and local knowledge of West Africa.

The stakeholders made the call in an open letter ahead of the climate conference. The stakeholders comprise 20 advocates from environmental NGOs and charities in the region.

CoP 28—the 28th session of the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) holds in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12.

The group stressed the need for world leaders to continuously incorporate the unique risks and opportunities in the West African region in this decision-making process and to elevate the voices of those most vulnerable to devastating climate impacts.

“An adequate response to climate change, they said, must not be a one-size-fits-all solution, noting that West Africa possessed many of the solutions, but the voices of local experts and civil society could not be overlooked by global leaders at COP28.

“The appetite for bold climate action has never been greater. We know that the drive and desire exist, and we are calling on you to use the findings of the Global Stocktake to drive action that has a real, transformative impact.

“In order to execute this pivotal moment, inclusive and regionally considered solutions must be the centerpiece of the political outcomes of the Global Stocktake, at COP28 and beyond,” said the stakeholders in the letter.

UNFCCC, in September, published the technical synthesis report for the world’s first Global Stocktake.

The landmark review identified the prevailing climate action implementation gap and forms the basis of conversations at CoP28, where leaders will reflect on progress and establish updated climate commitments.

They advocated regional consideration, particularly in the areas of adaptation, mitigation, finance, equity and implementation.

According to them, an optimal political outcome of the Global Stocktake at CoP28 will provide an opportunity for West Africa to build and expand climate solutions that progress intersecting social, economic, and political priorities in the region.

They noted that the approach included reducing causes of forced migration, scaling sustainable development and accelerating just transition and green growth.

NAN / Foluke Ibitomi