COP 30 must spark real climate action
The entire world converged on the Brazilian city of Belém for the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Over 50,000 delegates, including heads of state, government officials, climate scientists, business leaders, indigenous representatives, and civil society organisations from nearly 200 countries, participated in the conference.
While the main issues discussed at COP30 revolved around critical pillars, the central theme was the global stocktake findings, which highlighted the insufficient progress made towards the Paris Agreement's goals of limiting global warming to below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels.
The central theme led to intense negotiations on enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2035, with a strong push for more ambitious emission reduction targets.
At the conference, it was clear that climate finance was still a contentious issue, particularly the unmet $100 billion annual commitment from developed to developing countries and the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund established at COP27.
The role of nature-based solutions, particularly the protection of the Amazon rainforest and other critical ecosystems, was a prominent agenda item, given Brazil's host status and the region's ecological significance.
The transition away from fossil fuels, renewable energy targets, and the development of a just transition framework for workers and communities impacted by decarbonisation efforts were also key points for discussion.
After two weeks of negotiations, COP30 delivered modest outcomes, among which were many landmark agreements.
A significant achievement was the "Belém Declaration," which called for a rapid and equitable phase-out of unabated fossil fuels and set a new global target to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. While not a complete phase-out, this marked a stronger commitment than previous COPs.
On climate finance, developed countries reiterated their commitment to the $100 billion goal and pledged to significantly increase contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund, with initial pledges exceeding $500 million during the conference.
A new framework for global adaptation goals was also adopted, providing a clearer roadmap for countries to enhance their resilience to climate impacts.
Additionally, COP30 saw the launch of the "Amazonian Climate Initiative," a multi-billion-dollar fund aimed at protecting the Amazon rainforest, supporting indigenous communities, and promoting sustainable development in the region, with contributions from both developed nations and international financial institutions.
From a Ghanaian and broader African perspective, the Daily Graphic sees the outcomes of the conference as issues that present both opportunities and challenges.
Ghana, like many African nations, is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and desertification.
Therefore, we believe that the increased commitment to the Loss and Damage Fund and enhanced adaptation finance is a welcome development, offering crucial resources for recovery and resilience-building.
Again, the emphasis on tripling renewable energy capacity aligns with the country’s aspirations for a green energy transition and could attract much-needed investment in solar, wind and hydropower projects.
However, the Daily Graphic is of the view that the "phase-out of unabated fossil fuels" clause, while a step forward, still leaves room for continued fossil fuel use with carbon capture technologies, which may not be a viable or equitable solution for all developing nations.
As a way forward, the Daily Graphic suggests that Ghana and other African nations must actively engage with the Loss and Damage Fund and other climate finance mechanisms to secure adequate resources for adaptation, mitigation and recovery from climate-induced disasters.
This includes developing robust project proposals and strengthening institutional capacities to access and manage these funds.
African countries must also capitalise on the global commitment to renewable energy by accelerating investments in solar, wind and other clean energy technologies.
This will not only contribute to emission reduction targets but also enhance energy security and create green jobs.
More so, Ghana and Africa need to ensure the speedy implementation and continuous updating of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), focusing on climate-resilient agriculture, water management, coastal protection, and early warning systems.
African countries should continue to advocate a just transition framework that addresses the socio-economic implications of decarbonisation, ensuring that workers and communities dependent on fossil fuel industries are supported through retraining and alternative livelihood programmes.
Finally, there must be enhanced regional collaboration on climate issues, sharing best practices, and developing joint projects, particularly in areas such as transboundary water management, renewable energy grids, and climate research.
The African Union should play a leading role in coordinating these efforts.
