Developed countries challenged to honor climate change agreements

 

The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) 

The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) has called on developed countries to fulfill their obligations under the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Speaking at the the 60th Sessions of the UN Climate Change Subsidiary Bodies (SB60), in Bonn, Germany PACJA Executive Director Mithika Mwenda, highlighted the importance of climate finance, adaptation, and addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.

He emphasized the need for inclusivity and justice in the negotiation process to ensure equitable outcomes.

The civil society organisation expressed concerns about the potential conversion of negotiations to endless workshops, which they believe are delaying tactics.

“SB60 is crucial in sending positive signals on whether we will have a successful COP29, or it will end up as another annual ritual, another talkshop adding into the pile of decisions and declarations which remain unimplemented, only to wait for another COP for another round of negotiations.” Said Dr. Mithika.

Adding that:”The desire of all of us – Parities and Non-Parties delegates – is to see COP29 as a climate finance COP, to reflect on the urgency in addressing the ever-elusive question of financing climate action.”

Dr. Mithika emphasized the need to see COP29 as a climate finance COP and to address the urgency of financing climate action.

He said adaptation must be funded from public resources and must not be seen as a business opportunity open to private sector players.

Dr. Mithaka also criticized the recent push for Loss and Damage to be pushed out of the agenda, arguing that this is a market-based approach that allows developed countries to escape their obligations under the Convention and Paris Agreement.

By

 Christine Muchira and Obrien Kimani