In this ClimaTalk guest feature, a member of Agape Earth Coalition, a group of African youth climate activists, amplifies Africa’s call for climate adaptation finance. He lays out their campaign purpose and policy demands to build a fairer system for climate adaptation finance. In the run up to COP29, the activists have been engaging with various European policymakers and climate organizations. Note that Joshua himself did not participate in the tour in person but was supporting from home.
By Joshua Omonuk
I’m Joshua Omonuk, a climate justice activist from Uganda. Growing up, my community often faced the harsh reality of prolonged drought, a situation exacerbated by the climate crisis. This lived experience, combined with my background as an economist, drove me to dedicate my career to climate justice. I left my job to work toward a sustainable, resilient future for communities like mine that face disproportionate impacts from climate change.
Currently Agape Earth Coalition, a group of African youth climate activists, is on a journey through Europe. Our mission is to rally support for climate adaptation finance from developed nations in the lead-up to COP29. We seek collaboration, solidarity, and a commitment to equitable climate finance from global leaders, especially those in the Global North, who bear a significant share of historical responsibility for climate emissions. Together, we’re calling for the resources urgently needed to help our communities adapt to the ever-growing challenges posed by climate change.
Our Demands: Climate Adaptation Finance for a Just Transition
For millions in Africa, climate change is a daily reality. Last week alone, Uganda experienced severe flooding from torrential rains, a stark reminder of the crisis we face. Yet, in the global distribution of climate finance, Africa receives only around 2% of total funds—a small fraction of what is needed to address escalating climate impacts [1].
COP29 will focus on climate finance, and we demand that this includes scaled-up support for adaptation, especially for vulnerable nations like Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). While the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) under the Paris Agreement presents an opportunity to amplify adaptation finance, several key issues persist. If adaptation finance is to be effective, we need more equitable, accessible, and transparent mechanisms. Our policy demands for COP29 to outline a pathway to build a fairer system for climate adaptation finance, including:
Direct Access for Vulnerable Nations: LDCs and SIDS often face hurdles in accessing funds. We need a streamlined approach, enabling countries to access funds directly without complex intermediary structures, which often delay critical aid. We propose a “theory of change” approach that ensures funds reach those who need them most, swiftly and efficiently.
Grants Over Loans: Many vulnerable countries are already struggling with debt. Climate finance in the form of grants, rather than loans, is essential to avoid exacerbating these crises. Countries should not be penalized financially for problems they did not create.
Transparent Reporting Standards: Clear, consistent definitions and reporting standards will help ensure transparency and accountability. For adaptation finance to be trusted, donors and recipients alike need clear visibility into where funds are going and how they’re used.
Funding Through Local NGOs: Working with local NGOs that adhere to strong transparency standards ensures funds are effectively channeled into local, on-the-ground projects where they can have the most impact.
Private Sector Accountability: Private finance can play a role in scaling adaptation. However, we call for regulatory frameworks that enforce ethical, impactful investments. Major polluting corporations, especially those based in developed nations, should be required to contribute meaningfully to adaptation finance as part of their social responsibility.
Realistic Funding Commitments: Setting a meaningful quantum of financial commitments is critical. The funds committed must genuinely reflect the scale of adaptation needs, with specific implementation plans and clear deadlines for dispersal.
Our goal is to establish a fair system that holds polluters accountable while delivering the resources needed to help vulnerable communities survive and thrive in a changing climate.
Insights from the Europe Tour: Building Global Alliances for Change
During Agape Earth Coalition’s tour, we engaged with various European policymakers and climate organizations. We met with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from Social Democrats, the Greens, the Left, and Renew Europe, as well as representatives from NGOs like Greenpeace, Global Witness, and Green New Deal Rising. These meetings took us to cities such as Strasbourg, London, Berlin, and Bonn, where we also engaged with students and academics from institutions like Free University Berlin, Ghent University, and the University of Bonn.
These conversations yielded valuable insights. MEPs shared strategies for influencing EU climate policy and ways to present our demands to broader audiences. We also received strong backing from certain political allies who joined our campaigns, including MEPs like Lena Schilling (Greens), Carola Rackete (the Left), Delara Burkhardt (S&D) who supported our photo action to make polluters pay in Strasbourg. This support gives us hope that our message will reach the right ears ahead of COP29.
Photos by Moritz Gruber
Hopes and Expectations for COP29
As we approach COP29, my optimism is tinged with concern. Several organizations we work with have announced a boycott of COP29, cutting funding and, consequently, limiting the representation of African youth delegates. For us, however, boycotting is not an option—we must seize every opportunity to bring our stories and solutions to the global stage.
The NCQG presents a historic opportunity, yet its success is contingent on the fulfillment of previous climate finance commitments, including the long-standing $100 billion pledge. Without fulfilling these foundational promises, trust and momentum for future commitments like the NCQG will remain fragile. For COP29 to truly address the climate finance gap, developed nations must honor their previous pledges and then move forward with robust, accountable financing frameworks that ensure adaptation funds reach the frontlines.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joshua Omonuk is a climate justice advocate and educator from Uganda, dedicated to bridging awareness and action on climate change. Through his work in the Agape Earth Coalition, he trains communities on environmental stewardship and disaster risk reduction. A passionate believer in equity and resilience, Joshua empowers individuals, communities, and organizations to confront the climate crisis with knowledge and actionable solutions.
References
[1] Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) (2023). Global Landscape of Climate Finance 2023.
