Addis Ababa, 7 January 2022 (TDI): At its 1051st meeting held on November 26, 2021, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) was concerned about climate change in Africa. Therefore, they adopted a resolution on “Climate Change and Peace and Security: The Need for an Informed Climate-Security-Development Nexus for Africa.

Peace and Security Council 

Along these lines, PSC’s previous decisions and pronouncements regarding climate change are in the communique [PSC/AHG/COMM.1042 (2021)]. Besides, this issue is acknowledged in the communique [PSC/AHG/COMM.1 (CMLXXXIV)] that the 984th meeting adopted it on March 9, 2021.

Likewise, there are resolutions adopted by the AU Assembly on climate change and Africa’s engagement. For instance, within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conferences of the Parties (UNFCCC).

Besides, take, for example, the global umbrella treaty on climate change, and the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP26). Those were held in Glasgow, United Kingdom, October 31–November 13, 2021.

In addition to that, the increasing disproportionate impacts of environmental change involve challenges to socio-economic development in Africa. Thus, the aspirations enshrined in Agenda 2063 seek to avoid thwarting the realization of worldwide projects.

In that way, it is fundamental to stop the negative affecting of the implementation of the AU flagship project – Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2030.

Furthermore, the African continent is highly vulnerable to climate change, despite contributing less to the global crisis. Particularly about greenhouse gas emissions and their cross-border impacts in nature. Hence, there are no countries, regions, or continents that can effectively address the negative effects of climate change.

Africans are aware of the negative effects of COVID-19 on their political, economic, social, and security spaces in Africa, which further limits their ability to respond and adapt to climate change.

Relevant Authorities in the matter

Similarly, important authorities in the matter gave their opinions summarized in 12 key points. First, leaders such as Ambassador Mohamad Omar Gad, Permanent Representative of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the AU expressed their opinion about what should be the steps forward to applying in African countries.

In addition, Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Josepha Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment pointed out the upcoming events regarding the topic.

Moreover, Hannah Tetteh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the UN and Head of the UN Office in Africa with Ambassador Wael Abou El-Magd, Board Member of the Green Climate Fund explained the negative climate change impacts.

Finally, Ambassador Alastair McPhail, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Ethiopia; Ms. Zita Wilks, representative of the Chairperson of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change emphasized the importance for the Member States to take immediate action.

Reaffirming its solidarity with the Member States adversely affected by climate change and its attendant effects on security, peace, and stability, the Peace and Security Council acts in accordance with Article 7 of its Protocol.

13 Key Points addressed by the Peace and Security Council 
  1. Climate change is having an increasingly negative and disproportionate impact on Africa’s development gains. It is evidenced by extreme weather patterns such as floods, droughts, heatwaves, forest fires, storms, cyclones, among others.
  2. Acknowledges climate change as a threat multiplier to the continent’s peace and security landscape. It includes food and water insecurity, loss of livelihoods, failures in natural resource management among others.
  3. In 2022, Africa will host the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in the Arab Republic of Egypt. Therefore, they urge all Member States and the AU organs to support Egypt’s presidency.
  4. Stresses the need for the Member States to speak with one voice at global forums. The latter with guidance from the Committee of African Heads of States and Governments on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) among others. This by supporting the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) to advance Africa’s priorities in climate change negotiations.
  5. As part of its preparations for hosting the COP27, the Commission adheres to the position of Africa on climate change. Particularly regarding climate finance and operationalizing the Global Goal on Adaptation.
Important steps forward 
  1. Emphasizes the importance of enhancing cooperation between the AU Commission’s Departments for Agriculture, Rural Economy, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment. Besides that, the Department for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security stresses the need to expand this coordination with the Department for Social Affairs and the Department for Energy.
  2. The AU and its Member States should strengthen their capacities to advance an African perspective on climate, security, and development. This by including an engagement in capacity building, training, and research activities within the Pan African University. Mainly with the Institute of Water, Energy, and Climate Change (PAUWES) and the Cairo International Centre.
  3. It encourages strengthening the international partnerships of the AU and its Member States. These include the United Nations, and benefits from the latter’s engagements and assessments of climate, peace, and security risks in Africa. Also, further cooperation with international partners on availing climate financing and technical cooperation.
  4. Establishing a climate change fund would support measures aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of climate change. In addition to building a continental civil capacity for disaster preparedness and response. This is according to the communiqués of the meetings of the Peace and Security Council held in March and October.
Additional Leaders’ Remarks 
  1. Encourages the AU Commission and member states to share experiences and best practices on mitigating adverse effects of climate change. This is through instituting integrated planning for development for climate adaptation and exchanging information on cross-border projects.
  2. The report stresses the importance of incorporating climate-sensitive planning in peacekeeping and post-conflict reconstruction. Likewise, the development efforts to prevent a relapse into armed conflict in fragile communities, while ensuring early-warning systems.
  3. In consultation with the Member States, the AU Commission is urged to expedite the completion of a study on climate-related security risks. Especially to define the varying security impacts of climate change on the African continent.

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