What Africa Should Expect from COP 30

 I’m still reeling from the aftermath of #HurricaneMelissa, the first Category 5 hurricane in recorded history to make landfall in dear Jamaica, my home and my heart. It was not only our strongest storm on record but one of the most intense hurricanes ever observed in the entire Atlantic Basin. So many towns and communities and landmarks that define our sense of place and person are devastated, lying in ruins.

It has been difficult to take in, but the truth is, Jamaican culture is deeply resilient. We are a people of tenacity! With smiles, upbeat spirits, and infectious rhythms that sway the nation, trust that we are already on the road to building back! But the reality is, we will have to do more than build back stronger and faster. If this is the new norm, we must build back much smarter too – so much partnership is urgently needed on solutions for delivering a true transition for all.

This is why I will be watching the COP30 in Belem so closely. Though the UN has just put out its latest #EmissionsGapReport, which shows that as a globe, we will now surely cross the 1.5C threshold – at least temporarily – there is still much reason for hope and determination! In fact, this COP has been positioned as less about sealing a major new grand deal or statement, and more about implementation – how countries will make real advances on adaptation finance, on capitalizing the Loss & Damage Fund, on putting real action behind standing forest preservation, and more. We hope that this tracks, and that in two weeks, we are clearer on our path forward.

For Africa, a continent warming faster than the global average, and home a vast bulk of the world’s future population, the stakes couldn’t be higher. So, just what are the key priorities for the continent’s negotiators? What are the Africa positions and what are the expected outcomes? If you need to get yourself quickly up to speed, have a read of our take on the five key priority topics to watch out for. And don’t worry, for anyone even too overwhelmed to follow along, we got you covered! Our team at #WRIAfrica will also host a webinar immediately after the conference, with friendly experts who will help us all make sense of everything that has transpired and understand where to from here. Watch out for more updates to come!

Let’s keep it moving friends! And always keep believing. Here is my detailed take on What Africa Should Expect from COP 30 in Belem, have a read!