KIPPRA participated in the Conference of the Parties (COP27) held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Policy Analyst Ms Beverly Musili represented the Institute and was accompanied by one youth representative from a youth-led organization in climate change action who was sponsored by KIPPRA. The Institute has been providing platforms for the Kenyan youth in climate change action to engage policy discussions on climate change.
The Institute participated in the youth side events organized by the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) with the aim of making young people central to driving the climate adaptation agenda. The events brought together young leaders from all parts of the world, youth organizations, multilateral development banks, non-governmental organizations, and think tanks to identify priority areas for youth in climate action.
Discussions centered around establishment, governance, mandate, funding and coordination structures of the proposed African Youth Climate Change Council where the youth submitted proposals. The emerging issues from COP27 include:
1) Fossil fuel – Discussions highlighted that Africa accounts for only 3-4% of greenhouse gas emissions. Yet with Western investors divesting from fossil fuel projects in Africa, the continent’s development risks suffering from global dynamics. Developed countries’ failure to meet their commitments is particularly prominent with minimal investments in fossil fuels in Africa. COP27 was a forum for such debates.
2) Decarbonisation – It was noted that Africa has received a mere 2% of the world’s clean energy investment in the last 20 years. It is paramount that this figure increases exponentially to expedite decarbonisation, and to bolster access to electricity.
3) Loss and damage for African nations – Discussions centered around demand from developing countries for the creation of financial mechanisms to compensate them for the destructive impacts of climate change. Developing countries advocated for wealthy nations to pay climate compensation and contribute to a “loss and damage” fund.
4) Accreditation of African institutions to participate in COP – accreditation remains a challenge for African nations however there is potential for accreditation of public agencies such as KIPPRA through line ministries.
