Author: THINKTEAM Support

Dean Bhekumuzi Bhebhe Profile

We spoke with Bhekumuzi Dean Bhebhe, a Campaigns Lead at Power Shift Africa and Co-facilitator at Don’t Gas Africa about his work relating to fossil fuels and renewable energy in Africa. He shares his views on fossil fuel lock-ins, their hidden costs and the continent’s potential.
  • Uncategorized

From Raspberry Tea to Rosella Dreams: Investing in Women for Climate Resilience

African women are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Investing in resilience building and adaptation initiatives that prioritise the empowerment and security of women will benefit wider communities and contribute to the sustainable development agenda.
  • Uncategorized

No Place to Discuss the CBAM, not even the WTO

Hopes were high that the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference that ended on 2 March, would address climate change and trade, including measures like the CBAM. However, like COP28, countries could not agree to its inclusion, with India blocking discussions on what it considered to be a “non-trade issue”.
  • Trade

All Eyes are on the AU’s Climate Policy ahead of G20 Accession

At its 37th summit, the African Union’s climate committee, CAHOSCC, endorsed the establishment of a body to implement the Nairobi Declaration, adding to the already large swathe of climate committees and institutions. However, its guidance on the region’s key climate political topics was thin. As the AU joins the G20, it will need to formulate far more detailed and comprehensive positions on climate if it is to be taken seriously.
  • African Climate Policy

No Consensus in the IPCC for a Loss and Damage Assessment or When it will Finalise its Next Major Reports

Last month, countries could not agree on whether to accelerate the pre-2028 delivery dates for the IPCC’s upcoming reports on the latest climate science. African countries will, however, welcome the decision to update the IPCC’s technical adaptation guideline, however the decision to not provide a special report on loss and damage will only frustrate efforts to progress loss and damage finance.
  • Loss And Damage

Ghana Imposes Vehicle Carbon Taxes: Are They the Answer?

Ghana’s introduction of a carbon levy on vehicles, follows a push by more than seven African countries who have done the same. Are product related taxes such as these, a better path for African countries looking to mature their carbon pricing systems, in the context of global pressure to do so?
  • African Climate Policy

Nigeria Expands its Climate Repertoire by Banning Certain Plastics

In January, the Nigerian state of Lagos introduced a ban on Styrofoam, sparking protests from industry and food vendors, but the Government has pushed back, stating it was long overdue. Nigeria is one of several African states pursuing measures to control the climate and environmental impacts of plastic, a role African countries could better claim in their climate policies.
  • African Climate Policy

Picky Eating: Food Systems Get a Small Serving at COP28

At COP28, Food Systems were finally introduced onto the plate of a major UNFCCC negotiation text. However, it was only in the context of adaptation and GHG emissions from the sector still remain unaddressed.
  • COP28, NetZero and the Just Transition

How might COP28’s outcomes impact the Private Sector in Africa?

On the side-lines of the COP, a series of climate finance announcements were made that could advance private sector climate investment on the African continent. Countries were able to reach agreement on key milestones such as renewable energy and energy efficiency which will undoubtedly shape global demand and supply chains. However, stalled progress on carbon markets and Article 6, and weak text on the phase out of fossil fuels may dilute the effectiveness of these milestones.
  • Article 6, COP28

Agriculture at COP28: Outcomes and implications for Africa

The African continent boasts vast agricultural potential and yet most countries are net food importers. For years agriculture has been a negotiation priority for many African states however progress at the COPs has been slow. At COP28, agriculture featured more prominently including within the UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, the Global Goal on Adaptation as well as the Global Stocktake. However, the failure to reach any agreement under the Joint Work on Implementation on Agriculture and Food Security was a missed opportunity.
  • Adaptation, COP28