By Henry Neondo
President Trump’s move to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement appears to have slowed down talks on solutions to climate change.
Inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on January 20, Trump took immediate steps to pull the U.S., the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China, out of the Paris Agreement for a second time through an executive order on his first day in office, aligning with his America First policy.
His action in January conforms to the earlier move on June 1, 2017 during his first term when Trump withdraw the United States from the 2015 Paris Agreement, rolled back essential environmental protections, and advocated for the expansion of fossil fuels, arguing that the Agreement would “undermine” the U.S. economy and place the country “at a permanent disadvantage.”
His recent retreat from substantial climate engagement poses a risk of hindering global progress once more.
Yet, while some may see this as a setback, Africa on the other hand should view it as a chance to elevate its voice, chart its own course, and strengthen its leadership in climate governance.
For too long, Africa’s climate narrative has been shaped by external influences—wealthy nations and international organizations—often neglecting the experiences of the vulnerable communities most impacted by climate change.
Trump’s actions highlight the necessity for Africa to break free from reliance on Western leadership in climate discussions and instead develop a bold, self-directed response to the crisis.
Africa’s Climate Crisis: A Fight for Survival
The situation in Africa is dire. Although the continent is responsible for less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it suffers the most from climate-related disasters. From severe droughts in the Horn of Africa to devastating floods in Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria, the impacts of global warming are already being felt across the continent.
Trump’s withdrawal from climate responsibility could encourage other industrialized nations, like those in the EU, to weaken their commitments, further increasing Africa’s vulnerability. Instead of waiting for Western countries to determine the planet’s future, Africa must take charge by promoting its own solutions and holding major polluters accountable.
African leaders need to strengthen their collective bargaining power in international climate negotiations. The African Group of Negotiators (AGN), currently led by Kenya’s Ali Dawood Mohamed, has been a vital voice in climate discussions, but its influence needs to be enhanced through better coordination, clearer demands, and a unified approach on critical issues such as loss and damage, adaptation finance, and carbon markets.
The upcoming UNFCCC discussions, including the COPs, offer a chance for Africa to present a united front, demanding accountability from developed nations while establishing its own ambitious climate action goals. The Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi was a positive step, but more efforts are needed to ensure that African priorities are at the forefront of global discussions rather than being overshadowed by competing interests.
Mobilizing domestic and continental Climate Financing
For too long, Africa has relied on climate financing promises from Western nations—promises that frequently go unfulfilled. The inability of wealthy countries to provide the pledged $100 billion in annual climate finance serves as a clear indication that Africa needs to diversify its financial strategies.
This involves enhancing the African Climate Change Fund and other locally developed financing initiatives. Countries should investigate innovative funding models, such as green bonds, carbon pricing mechanisms that reflect Africa’s unique circumstances, and regional climate adaptation funds backed by the African Union and regional economic groups.
Furthermore, Africa should advocate for debt relief mechanisms that enable countries to reallocate funds from debt servicing to climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Africa’s climate justice narrative should focus on solutions that are informed by local knowledge, technology, and innovation. Community-driven conservation initiatives, like sustainable agroforestry in the Sahel and nature-based solutions in Kenya’s rangelands, need to be supported and expanded.
Additionally, the continent must tap into its renewable energy potential. The continent boasts some of the richest solar, wind, and hydropower resources globally. Countries such as Morocco and Kenya are at the forefront of renewable energy investments, but a more extensive continental effort is essential. The African Development Bank’s Desert to Power initiative, which aims to turn the Sahel into a solar energy hub, exemplifies how Africa can take the lead in sustainable development.
Challenging the Global Carbon Market Model
A significant risk to Africa’s climate justice agenda is the increasing push for carbon offset schemes that mainly benefit Western corporations. While carbon trading is often touted as a solution, it risks evolving into a new form of green colonialism, where Africa’s forests and lands are turned into commodities, allowing polluters in the Global North to maintain their usual practices.
Africa needs to establish its own regulations for carbon trading, ensuring that local communities gain direct benefits from these markets instead of being displaced or shortchanged. Countries like Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which are rich in rainforests, must negotiate fairer terms that prioritize community rights and environmental integrity.
A significant hurdle in reclaiming Africa’s climate narrative is the dominance of Western media and think tanks in climate discussions. African media outlets, journalists, and civil society organizations must actively work to amplify African perspectives on climate justice.
From investigative reporting on climate impacts to highlighting African climate activists, the continent’s media should counter narratives that depict Africa solely as a victim. Instead, they should showcase resilience, innovation, and the agency of African communities in addressing climate change.
The Road ahead
Trump’s withdrawal from climate responsibility serves as a reminder that Africa cannot afford to wait for the Global North to act. The climate crisis requires urgent, Africa-led solutions that emphasize justice, equity, and sustainable development.
By enhancing its diplomatic influence, mobilizing domestic climate finance, investing in African-led innovations, resisting exploitative carbon markets, and shaping media narratives, Africa can reclaim its climate justice agenda. The time for passive participation has passed Africa must take the lead, asserting itself as a key player in global climate governance.
As the world grapples with the worsening climate crisis, Africa’s message must be clear: Climate justice is not a privilege—it is a right. And Africa will fight for it on its own terms.
The writer is a climate change advocacy and communication specialist