Africa faces a climate crisis deeply tied to historical exploitation by wealthier nations. During the second African People’s Counter-COP in Benin, over 100 representatives highlighted how the Global North’s extractive practices contribute to severe environmental harm and climate impacts across the continent. Their theme, “African-Led Pathways to Climate Justice and System Change,” underscores a desire for real change.
The African Climate Justice Collective (ACJC) organized this event to challenge dominant narratives at the UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP). They argue that the process has often prioritized capitalist interests, sidelining African voices while worsening the crisis.
Rumbidzai Mpahlo, who coordinates the ACJC, emphasized the injustice faced by African nations. “While our emissions are minimal, our suffering is immense,” she stated. This meeting served as a rallying point for demanding a future free from exploitation.
Participants voiced urgent concerns. Maimoni Ubrei-Joe from the Community Development Advocacy Foundation remarked that the fight is against a system prioritizing profit over accountability. He insisted that genuine solutions should empower local communities rather than corporations.
Khadija Abdulahi from Save Lamu in Kenya illustrated the impacts of industrial projects, which threaten not only the environment but also cultural heritage. “These projects endanger our homes and our very identity,” she explained.
Ladislas Désiré Ndembet of Muyisi Environment Gabon connected environmental issues with democracy, arguing that when foreign companies control energy policies, local sovereignty diminishes. He asserted that stopping fossil fuel extraction is vital not just for environmental health but for reclaiming autonomy.
The group stressed that their demands are urgent and clear: rich nations must provide climate reparations, not as loans but as grants. According to a recent report by the World Bank, climate finance needs in developing countries are estimated to reach $100 billion per year by 2025, showcasing the critical nature of these demands.
They called for an immediate halt to fossil fuel extraction, advocating instead for locally owned renewable energy systems that focus on community needs first. The APCC regards these steps as essential for achieving genuine climate justice.
Moreover, the participants passionately rejected what they view as false solutions, such as carbon trading and geo-engineering, which could commodify nature and exacerbate inequalities. Instead, they championed the “Right to Say No,” advocating for communities to have a say in projects affecting their lands and lives, grounded in the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).
The ACJC encourages media, policymakers, and civil society to amplify these voices and demands. Their stance presents a powerful framework for approaching climate justice not just for Africa, but for the Global South as a whole.
As social media discussions grow around these topics, many users have rallied support for grassroots movements advocating for climate justice. This collective action emphasizes not only the urgency of the situation but also the need for a unified, equitable approach to environmental policies.
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ACJC,climate crisis,Rumbidzai Mpahlo,UNFCCC
