The solutions to African climate problems must be tailored to our unique circumstances, Vanessa Nakate argues ahead of COP27. She says, ‘We must make sure the solutions that are being funded are the ones that work for African people.’
Editor's note: This essay is available in our print issue, A New Chapter for African Artefacts?. Buy the issue here.
As the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference or ‘COP27’ approaches, 25-year-old Ugandan climate activist, Vanessa Nakate reflects on her experience at last year’s COP26. She recalls that her speech at COP26 was met with applause, but no significant action was taken post the conference.
A UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and the author of A Bigger Picture: My Fight to Bring a New African Voice to the Climate Crisis, Nakate advocates for decolonizing climate change. She argues that African stories need to be told, and we need to listen to African communities on the ground and their needs. Nakate believes that we need to ensure that the climate change solutions funded are the ones that work for African people. Further, Western countries, being the largest historical emitters of greenhouse gases, need to lead the world in reduction of emissions, and provide funding to countries with less resources to reduce their emissions...
This essay features in our print issue, ‘A New Chapter for African Artefacts?' and is only available online to paying subscribers. To subscribe, buy a subscription plan here from N1,000 / month (students) and N3,500 / month (non-students). Already a subscriber? log in.