Introduction
At the 29th Conference of Parties (COP’29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, SADC Chair and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is advocating for climate justice on behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and African nations. The COP conference, the main decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is a critical platform for addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. President Mnangagwa’s attendance ahead of the upcoming SADC Extra-Ordinary Summit exemplifies his commitment to sustainable development and Africa’s fight for equity in climate policies.
Driving Climate Justice: Carbon Credit Reform
A focal point of President Mnangagwa’s COP’29 agenda is the reformation of carbon credit mechanisms. Carbon credits are tradeable certificates that permit entities to emit a specific amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Africa’s relatively low emission levels—4% of global GHG emissions—stand in stark contrast to the massive contributions of industrialized nations. Yet, current carbon credit mechanisms largely favor wealthier, industrialized nations, hindering Africa’s potential to capitalize on these credits to support green growth and further GHG reductions.
President Mnangagwa aims to push for a more equitable system, advocating for African nations to receive greater access to carbon credits. This change would allow African nations to trade credits with industrialized nations, directing proceeds to adaptation initiatives and broader development needs.
Advocacy for Per Capita Emission Consideration
Africa’s emissions per capita (0.8 tons CO₂e) starkly contrast with those of industrialized regions like North America (16.4 tons CO₂e) and Europe (6.4 tons CO₂e). President Mnangagwa highlights that despite Africa’s low per capita emissions, it faces severe climate vulnerabilities, exacerbated by its limited resources. Advocating for a justice-based approach at COP’29, he calls for industrialized nations to provide financial and technological support to African countries for adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Historical Emission Inequities and COP’29’s Role
One of the biggest challenges facing COP’29 is addressing the disparities in historical emissions. African nations have only recently industrialized, with significantly lower historical emissions than the long-standing industrialized nations that have contributed to cumulative global GHG levels. President Mnangagwa’s stance reflects a call for COP’29 to recognize these disparities by supporting African nations in climate action through financing and technology transfers.
Championing a Sustainable Future at SADC Extra-Ordinary Summit
Following COP’29, President Mnangagwa will attend the SADC Extra-Ordinary Summit, underlining his role as a proactive regional leader. These dual international engagements affirm his commitment to advancing both climate equity and the broader sustainable development agenda. His efforts to negotiate climate-friendly policies will be instrumental in SADC’s alignment on critical issues such as climate change, resource management, and sustainable economic growth.
Conclusion
President Mnangagwa’s role at COP’29 showcases a strong African voice demanding accountability and equity from wealthier nations responsible for climate change. As the SADC Chair, he brings forth a vision rooted in climate justice and sustainable development, advocating for Africa’s right to a fair share of resources and a resilient future in the global climate dialogue.
