COP28: African Group of Negotiators say adaptation finance talks lacking progress

The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) says it is concerned about the lack of progress in finance and adaptation negotiations at the 28th UN Climate Summit-COP28 taking place in UAE, Dubai.

Speaking to journalists at a press conference on Saturday, the AGN Chair on Climate Change, Collins Nzovu, who is also the Minister of Green Economy and Environment in Zambia, however said they were still hopeful that things would change in the remaining period.

“We are concerned about the lack of progress on various issues of importance to our group, particularly on finance and adaptation. However, with few days remaining, we believe we can still deliver on the following work streams,” Nzovu stated.

He said that adaptation is a key priority for the African continent and a critical component in the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

“Adaptation is a matter of survival for us in Africa. Amid all the summits and meetings taking place to discuss this issue, what Africans need to see is action to help us adapt to this changing climate,” he said.

According to him, Africa is hardly hit by the impacts of climate change and there is need for climate action.

“How are we to cope with the persistent droughts, the devastating storms and rising seas which threaten our very lives and livelihoods?” Nzovu posed.

The AGN Chairperson at the same time commended a historic and positive start to COP28 where the Loss and Damage Fund was operationalised as initial financial commitments were made within minutes.

“We are also alive to the fact that loss and damage requires billions, if not trillions, of dollars. We, therefore, call for more resources in order to actualise the intended purpose of the Fund, addressing loss and damage,” he added.

He expressed the disappointment on Framework on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) outcome as the work programme comes to a close at this session, citing the lack of progress on this important issue in the first week.

“We expect COP28 to result in tangible outcomes which reflect Africa’s aspirations, especially on the need for enhanced climate adaptation,” said Nzovu. 

“Africa has, and continues to suffer the brunt of the adverse effects of climate change and has not received the required multilateral support to face the climate challenge. African countries require access to scaled-up levels of new and additional and predictable grant and concessional finance for climate action.”