Arusha, Tanzania – In a pioneering initiative, Eastern Africa parliamentarians are gathering in Arusha for the First Sub-Regional Meeting on Strengthening Capacity of National Parliaments on Oversight in Climate Action Accountability and Reporting. This historic event, scheduled from July 24-26, is a collaborative effort led by the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES), in partnership with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), the East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA), and the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
The Climate Crisis: A Stark Reality for Africa
Africa, which contributes a mere 3.6% to global emissions, is paradoxically among the most severely impacted regions by climate change. The continent is already grappling with the dire consequences of climate change, which include droughts, rising temperatures, heatwaves, land degradation, and unpredictable rainfall patterns. These climatic disturbances have devastating effects, eroding the continent’s GDP by up to 10% annually, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Despite the urgent need, adaptation climate finance for Africa remains grossly inadequate, receiving only 24% of the required funds.
Global Stocktake: A Call for Accelerated Action
The 28th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP 28) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) highlighted a critical gap in global climate action. The first Global Stocktake (GST) revealed that current efforts are insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement targets. Africa alone requires approximately $440 billion by 2030 to effectively address loss and damage, yet only a fraction of this amount has been pledged. The GST findings underscore the necessity for heightened financial commitments and strategic realignment to meet the Paris Agreement goals and tackle the escalating climate crisis.
The Role of National Parliaments
National parliaments are pivotal in this context. As “agents of change,” they have the power to influence climate action through legislation, budget appropriation, and rigorous oversight of government policies. Parliaments ensure government accountability, assessing whether national and international climate commitments are being met. Through their representative mandate, parliamentarians can identify and advocate for climate actions that address the needs of the most vulnerable populations.
Building Capacity for Effective Oversight
For parliaments to be effective in their oversight roles, robust tools for tracking progress, ensuring accountability, and efficient resource allocation are crucial. Such tools empower parliaments to monitor the implementation of climate policies, evaluate their effectiveness, and pinpoint areas needing improvement. Equipped with these tools, national parliaments can drive more coordinated and impactful climate action, ensuring that climate targets are met with integrity and efficiency.
The First Eastern Africa Sub-Regional Parliamentarian Meeting on Strengthening Capacity of National Parliaments on Oversight in Climate Action Accountability and Reporting in Arusha marks a pivotal moment for regional climate governance. This gathering aims to sensitize parliamentarians on regional climate risks, raise awareness of national and international climate commitments, update legislative frameworks, share oversight and tracking tools, and discuss key elements of parliamentary oversight in climate action. Expected outcomes include enhanced awareness of climate risks and global responses, a deeper understanding of relevant legislation, and the identification of best practices and oversight tools. Bringing together chairs of parliamentary committees on environment and agriculture, parliamentary staff, UNFCCC technical experts, and climate specialists, this meeting is a crucial step towards translating commitments into tangible actions, ensuring a sustainable future for the African continent.