Africa Needs Comprehensive Transition in its Food Systems, Energy Sources – Greenpeace

Greenpeace Africa says the African Continent needs a comprehensive transition in its food systems, energy sources, and development models, which have historically hindered progress.

Speaking during the 2024 Environmental Protection Dialogue (EPD) organized by the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) in Lusaka, Organization Director of Communications Nanfadima Cisse is concerned that Africa is being overlooked despite the leave no one behind mantra.

Ms. Cisse stated that as COP29 in Azerbaijan approaches, there is need for affluent industrialized nations to embrace their moral responsibility and commit to creating an ambitious and expansive climate finance framework.

She pointed out that the global conversation is focused on transition, referencing COP28 in Dubai where nations committed to moving away from fossil fuels.

“This framework should empower African nations to imple
ment mitigation and adaptation strategies to avert further loss of life and property,” Ms. Cisse stated.
Ms. Cisse highlighted the ongoing climate crisis in vulnerable communities, noting the loss of land and resources.

She urged African leaders to establish a common goal and agreement for a global system shift, insisting that polluters must be held accountable.

Ms. Cisse also called for the creation of specialized environmental courts and tribunals to help communities seek redress to environmental harms, noting that justice must be at the forefront of addressing current global challenges.

She emphasized the importance of international collaboration, because they work closely with climate justice movements and people from around the world towards achieving social justice and integral ecology.

Ms. Cisse commended CEJ for their efforts and expressed her eagerness to continue working together to protect the environment and demand justice for communities across Africa.