Cynicism is the word that comes to mind each time the subject of global talks around the climate change crisis is discussed. This week’s talks, known as COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, will not be any different, especially after the outcome of last week’s US election that returned Donald Trump to the White House.
However, an opportunity exists for the world to choose optimism and decisive action over cynicism and inaction.
The last time Trump was president — in 2016-20 — he pulled the US out of the Paris accord, a trade agreement with Mexico and nuclear talks with Iran. Already, as we reported on Monday, there is talk within his transition team that he is preparing the US’s exit from the climate agreement and will end bans on new permits for liquefied natural gas paused by the outgoing administration.
If this happens, it will be a major setback to the progress made in addressing the climate crisis — by far, humanity’s major existential threat in modern times.
Unlike previous COP editions, the Baku summit is taking place against the backdrop of evidence that global warming is accelerating. The deadly floods in Spain last month, record heatwaves around the world and, at home, floods and storms in KwaZulu-Natal are among fresh reminders that we have not looked after our planet well.
Up until now, talks have been characterised by ritual accusations and counteraccusations between the world’s rich nations and the Global South. Northern countries, which benefited from industrialisation using fossil fuels, are expected to pay governments of the developing world to transition to green energy forms.
While there is little dispute that this transition has to happen, speed of raising these funds has been slow, because of lack of political will, protectionism and domestic priorities in the rich north. The kitty is tiny, and, by all means, it has to be urgently beefed up. As speaker after speaker warned on Monday, the cost of inaction is too ghastly to contemplate.
Another burning issue that needs to be addressed is the Global South’s capacity to spend these large sums of money effectively and efficiently. It needs strengthening. Related to this problem are unhelpful discussions about what constitutes a just energy transition. These discussions, including the ideological debates about the sources of the funds, have snarled up progress. A case in point is SA, Africa’s most advanced economy. More than a year ago, SA received R8.5bn in climate financing assistance. Months later, a credible implementation plan has yet to be agreed.
Forestry, fisheries & environmental affairs minister Dion George is correct that SA needs more grants and concessionary funding to assist with the transition. Hopefully, the advent of the government of national unity will help speed up the implementation of the transition plans.
As political head of the lead department, much responsibility lies with George in rallying his cabinet colleagues towards a common goal of a low-carbon economy. Amid the noise of climate denialists, the government would need to box cleverly. It would be foolhardy to continue entertaining endless debates and demanding money.
The government needs to demonstrate clear intent and progress. It must choose political pragmatism over backward-looking ideology.
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