Another year, another COP, and yet again, Africa walks away with the short end of the stick. COP29 in Baku was supposed to be our moment—where the world would finally recognize the dire needs of the Global South, particularly Africa, which is on the frontline of climate change despite contributing the least to it. But what did we get? A slap in the face, or rather, a bill for a meal we didn’t order.
First off, let’s talk about the finance—or lack thereof. Before COP29, there was this buzz, this hope that we’d finally see a commitment from the developed world that matches the scale of the climate crisis we’re facing. We needed $1.3 trillion annually for adaptation, mitigation, and dealing with loss and damage. What was promised? A measly $300 billion by 2035. That’s like offering us a bicycle when we’re in the middle of a desert marathon. The funding gap isn’t just wide; it’s a chasm we’re expected to jump with our hands tied behind our backs.
Project
BetterLife International at COP29