By Faridat Salifu
As environmentalists, and African countries press demand for the ongoing COP28 to agree on a vital energy package, there is need for delegations to unite in a binding commitment to address the climate crisis head-on.
The proposed action points at COP28 include a tripling of fair, safe, and clean renewable energy capacity by 2030, along with the deployment of 1.5 terawatts per year thereafter.
In addition, the doubling of energy efficiency by 2030 and the complete phasing out of fossil fuels by 2050 are crucial benchmarks to ensure a sustainable energy transition.
May Boeve, Executive Director of 350.org, underlined the opportunity presented by COP28 to set a global renewable energy target as a crucial measure towards limiting global heating to below 1.5 degrees.
However, she emphasized the equal importance of commitments to finance the just transition in the Global South and the swift, fair withdrawal from fossil fuels.
Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Global Policy at 350.org, stressed the necessity for substantial growth in financial investment in renewable energy, particularly in the Global South.
He pointed out the barriers hindering such investment, such as debt and inequitable costs of capital, emphasizing the need for debt cancellation at scale, substantial concessional finance, and grants to facilitate the global renewable energy transition.
Landry Ninteretse, Regional Director of 350Africa.org, underscored the imperative for an equitable global shift away from fossil fuels towards safe and sustainable renewable energy.
His poignant reminder of the catastrophic impacts of the climate crisis on frontline communities calls for an urgent and robust plan for climate adaptation finance, loss and damage, and enhanced support for just transition pathways, particularly in African countries.
The resounding demand is clear: for COP28 to culminate in a comprehensive decision text, underpinned by a legal framework, and focusing on proven renewable energy technologies like wind and solar.
Any agreement must include commitments by all parties to COP28 to implement the mechanisms and conditions necessary for the successful achievement of a global renewable energy target and an equitable transition away from fossil fuels.