BY MUSA SHUBOMI TIMILEYHIN
A group of Nigerian civil society organisations (CSOs), who participated at the 28th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), has expressed cautious optimism over the outcome global summit.
The World Environment News reports that COP28 was held for two weeks in Dubai and closed on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.
Among other resolutions, COP28 ended with the adoption of “The UAE Consensus” and a commitment to transition away from fossil fuels to achieve net zero.
But, Prof Chukwumerije Okereke, Director, Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), is unexcited, stressing that celebrations that greeted some of the resolutions were misplaced.
He said: “The wild celebration of the inclusion of ‘transitioning away from fossil fuel’ in COP28 text is largely misplaced. While symbolical, it is political economy and NOT COP texts that will shape the action of states and companies. We need more than words to fight climate change.”
The SPP, along with the Centre for 21st Century Issues (C21st Issues) and EnviroNews Development Network (Endenet), is collaborating to execute a British High Commission (BHC) supported project that mobilised Nigerian CSOs at COP28, in partnership with the Nigeria Climate Justice Alliance (NCJA).
Titled: “COP28: Strengthening Nigeria’s Civil Society Organisations’ Engagement with Global Climate Change Policy”, the project is aimed at improving the communication, lobbying and advocacy competencies of climate CSOs to ensure a more active participation at the global summit.
In her assessment of COP28, Titilope Akosa, Executive Director of C21st Issues, said: “The decisions made at COP28 have emphasised the importance of focusing on just transition pathways that align with the temperature goal set in the Paris Agreement. This is particularly crucial for developing countries, as we need to carefully plan and execute our just transition journeys to promote human flourishing and the well-being of our citizens.
“It is imperative that we advocate for grants-based and gender-responsive climate finance to support the phase-out of fossil fuels and the widespread adoption of renewable energy, with the aim of tripling its use. It is high time for developed countries to fulfil their climate debt obligations, as this is essential for ensuring a just transition that benefits both people and the planet. A transition burdened by debt would not align with principles of climate justice and would undoubtedly cause significant harm to our communities.”
Dr Joseph Onoja of the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), which is coordinating the NCJA, said: “Reflecting on the much-anticipated COP28, the outcome could be better as it is not as ambitious as we expected it to be. Although fossil fuels phase-out was not agreed upon, parties have now recognised that it will be done eventually. We will, however, continue to push for nature to be at the heart of the solution to the climate crisis. Nature for people, for climate and prosperity.
“As for the flow of finance for nature, we were hoping to see a more rigorous approach and that such should reach indigenous peoples who are more affected by the climate crisis. The recognition of nature is expanding and the need to have nature in the cities is being recognised globally. That is why we are resisting the wanton destruction of forest in Ibadan by the Oyo State Government.”
Sam Onuigbo of the Climate Axis and Strategic Initiative: “COP28, in my humble view, was a success. This was the first time the whole world, in a near-unanimous position, agreed to commence necessary actions to limit the rise in temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius above the preindustrial era by transiting from fossil fuels. The first positive sign of steady progress was the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund from day one of COP28. On a continental level, Africa recorded gains on the Global Goal on Adaptation, Climate Health, tripling renewable energy and many pledges that are in Africa’s favour.
“On the part of Nigeria, President Tinubu exercised leadership by setting the pace and tone of his administration in tackling climate change. His leadership through direct participation, and also drawing up participation roaster for his appointees motivated both his appointees and other Nigerians to achieve a lot of bilateral agreements and partnerships that are good for the sustainable development of the country.”
Gloria Bulus, Climate Realty Leader and Executive Director, of Bridge-That-Gap Initiative, said: “COP28 was indeed a crucial moment for the world to act on the climate crisis and keep the 1.5°C limit within reach. Though the UAE Consensus is not a perfect agreement, there are still many challenges and gaps to overcome.
“Nonetheless, it is a clear indication that the world is moving in the right direction, though slowly, and that there is a collective will to tackle the climate emergency. As the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, ‘We can’t keep kicking the can down the road. We are out of the road and almost out of time. COP28 has shown that we can still act together and make a difference for the future of our planet. It shows we still have clear responsibilities on us to address the climate crises and we must not ignore it.”
Umar Saleh Anka, Executive Director of the Centre for Environment and Rural Development (CERD), said: “COP28 has come and gone with the usual promises that are meant to be broken just like other COPs and again this time around with no standard timelines, no enforceable agreement. The only difference between other summits is the active participation of different faith groups in the discussion and voluntary commitment by the fossil fuel companies to capture methane emissions. Wealthy countries promised $100 billion until 2020 not much was remitted.
Ahmed Tiamiyu, Executive Director of Community Action Against Plastic Waste (CADws), said: “It is unprecedented, and it is even more so because it happens in UAE; in a country that’s strongly built around fossil fuel. The outcome of Dubai is a confirmation of the little, slow progress of the Paris Agreement and a new era.”
Usman Muhammad Mareri, Executive Director of the Centre for Renewable Energy and Action on Climate Change, said: “I am happy Loss and Damage has been authorised and replenished with over $400 million, even though the amount is small, it will make significant contributions to meeting the needs of those affected by climate change. I am also happy that countries have ratified the contract to phase out fossil fuels from oil and gas. I am also happy that Armenia reached a consensus to allow Azerbaijan to host next year’s COP in Baku.”
Olumide Idowu, Executive Director, ICCDI Africa, said: “At the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 closing session, there was a declaration or agreement to quickly and fairly transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems and to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that do not address energy poverty or just transitions. This was a historic moment, and we welcome it.
“The developed world should keep its climate finance promises and redirect its funds to renewable energy projects. In the hopes of receiving climate finance support, they should show their commitment by investing a large amount of the profits from fossil fuel production into renewable energy development.”
Prince Israel Orekha, Executive Director, of Connected Advocacy for Empowerment and Youth Development Initiative, said: “The conclusion of COP28 leaves a glaring gap in emission reduction commitments, with the agreed text lacking clarity on addressing the concerns of local communities. Despite calls for a transition from fossil fuels, developed countries retain room to increase their fossil fuel pursuits without clear targets or timeframes for transition, posing a threat to achieving the 1.5°C goal.
“The absence of concrete measures and timelines for achieving a 1.5°C target, coupled with a reliance on greenwashing solutions, continues to expose African lands and waters to vulnerability. The outcome of COP28 appears poised to increase carbon market activity, utilising Africa as a testing ground for offsetting.
“The agreed text falls short of financial commitments to support developing countries, notably Africa and lacks specific targets for methane emission reduction. Concerns raised by small island nations about their exclusion during the finalization of the text underscore a need for more inclusive decision-making processes.
“In response to these challenges, a united front among developing countries becomes imperative. Recognising that the global north may not commit beyond charitable donations for climate actions, it is crucial to address the root causes of the climate crisis. To keep the 1.5°C goal alive, collaboration between indigenous knowledge and scientific expertise must drive co-creative solutions, emphasising the importance of technology transfer for a just transition.
“As we navigate the aftermath of COP28, the urgent need for a more robust and equitable approach to climate action becomes evident. Only through collective efforts, genuine commitments, and a fusion of traditional wisdom with modern solutions can we aspire to achieve meaningful progress toward a sustainable and climate-resilient future.”
