This is an opportune moment for Africa to elevate its voice in global climate negotiations and try to advance its common priorities. Under the theme, ‘Together for Implementation’, COP27 will continue to push for negotiations to move beyond dialogue by demonstrating decisive action and supporting the implementation of current pledges and commitments.
While there is optimism that the outcome will align with African interests, COP27 takes place in a turbulent global geopolitical setting, with a climate standoff between the US and China and a new scramble for fossil fuels in the context of the Russia–Ukraine war. In addition, developing countries have ongoing social justice concerns about the socio-economic impacts of a transition away from fossil fuels. A successful COP27 cannot be achieved without a socially just outcome for developing countries, with financial delivery at its core.
SAIIA has been undertaking research and consultations on various climate-related themes. This media briefing provides an opportunity for engagement with SAIIA staff, including our delegates who are attending COP27.
Panellists:
- Romy Chevallier – African Priorities for COP27
- Joseph Matola – African Climate and Macroeconomic Policy Action post-COVID.
- Hannah Sack – Working with Nature for Climate Adaptation
- Youth Policy Committee Representative – Messages From South Africa’s COP27 Youth Climate Statement
Moderator:
- Alex Benkenstein, Programme Head, Climate and Natural Resources Programme, SAIIA
In case you missed our briefing, watch it here:
Our recent work related to COP27
Ensuring that COP27 is Truly an ‘African COP’
African negotiators will play a key role in ensuring progress on agendas that are aligned with Africa’s development needs and interests at COP27, including outcomes on loss and damage, adaptation, climate finance and a just transition. Read more.
The road to COP 27: Africa’s adaptation finance agenda
Since COP 26 African countries, together with their developing country counterparts, have significantly advanced the detail regarding the form and nature of climate finance for adaptation which they would like to be put in place. Progress on these issues will be closely watched at COP 27. Read more.
Unlocking the Circular Economy Potential of African Island States
African island states have experienced a dramatic increase in resource extraction and waste generation in recent decades, while at the same time facing growing challenges in the context of climate vulnerabilities and ambitions to develop sustainable blue economies. Read more.
South African youth want a cleaner, greener country and world
Our Youth@SAIIA team were co-convenors of the COP27 National Youth Statement, presented to Minister Barbara Creecy of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and Valli Moosa, Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Climate Commission. Read the statement here.
Africa’s Common Climate Response and Action Plan
The AU’s Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan seeks to harmonise the continent’s approach to climate change over the next decade, setting out the guiding principles, priorities and action areas for enhanced climate cooperation. Read more.
An African Perspective on Loss and Damage
Loss and damage has been an African priority in global climate negotiations for more than a decade, but little progress has been achieved. African negotiators should champion a well-developed position on loss and damage at COP27 to elevate the issue on the climate negotiation agenda and achieve consensus on the proposed Loss and Damage Finance Facility. Read more.
Enhancing the Transparency and Accountability of Climate Reporting under the Paris Agreement
Given the institutional, technical and financial constraints faced by developing countries, there is an urgent need for regular training and capacity building on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) reporting. This is an important topic in international climate discussions and will be key in informing the outcomes of COP27. Read more.
Experts will be available for follow-up interviews on request. To arrange interviews with them, please contact:
Sphiwe Dlamini
Media Liaison
M +27 (0)71 142 9179
E media@saiia.org.za