By M Muneer

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) is an important moment in the global response to climate change. The Global South, which represents much of the developing world, is facing disproportionate climate-related challenges despite being historically responsible for a relatively small portion of greenhouse gas emissions. Yet they are being drawn into crafting solutions that are equitable, sustainable, and impactful for global climate policy.

The Global South — encompassing regions like Africa, Latin America, South and Southeast Asia, and small island nations — is home to some of the most vulnerable populations when it comes to the effects of climate change. COP29 provides a critical platform for these countries to influence the global climate agenda. Here is an assertive agenda for the Global South when the summit opens on November 11 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Assert the climate justice narrative: It is time to place climate justice at the forefront of the agenda. Historically, the majority of carbon emissions have come from developed countries, but the consequences disproportionately affect developing nations. A 2021 study by Oxfam revealed that the wealthiest 10% of the global population are responsible for over 50% of emissions, while the poorest 50% contribute less than 10%. This inequality in responsibility should be emphasised to ensure that the burden of mitigation and adaptation does not fall unduly on the most vulnerable.

It’s also time to call for a recognition of these inequalities in climate action. This means ensuring that developed nations live up to their financial commitments, including the $100 billion per year in climate finance that was promised under the Paris Agreement. In 2023, reports indicated that this target had still not been fully met. The Global South must push for clear pathways to secure this finance, including mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in climate finance flows.

Enhance climate diplomacy through regional blocs: The power of collective action through regional blocs like the African Union, the Caribbean Community, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation is critical.

At COP29, the Global South should use these platforms to negotiate the following with a united voice, which will amplify their bargaining power:

  1. Shared climate adaptation plans such as creating cross-border systems for early warning and disaster response.
  2. Common positions on climate finance to ensure that the funds are accessible and address regional priorities.
  3. Joint advocacy for loss and damage, building on the landmark decision made at COP27 to establish a fund for vulnerable countries. This must have clear governance structures and funding streams.

Strengthen nationally determined contributions (NDCs) with local adaptation: A key commitment under the Paris Agreement is the submission of NDCs, which are national plans outlining climate actions. The Global South must ensure that their NDCs are ambitious and grounded in sustainable local realities. For instance, several African nations have committed to increasing their renewable energy capacities, with Kenya and Ethiopia leading the way in wind, solar, and geothermal energy production. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, Kenya generated over 90% of its electricity from renewable sources in 2022.

In the Global South, sustainable agriculture and water management are other critical areas for adaptation. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization highlights that climate-resilient agriculture could improve yields by up to 30% by 2030, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Include these data-driven adaptations in their NDCs, backed by clear funding mechanisms.

Leverage green finance and investment: Accessing finance for climate mitigation and adaptation is a big challenge for Global South. The developed world has not met its promised climate finance targets, and much of the money that has been pledged remains inaccessible due to bureaucratic hurdles. The Global South should look towards diversifying its sources of finance by tapping into green bonds, carbon markets, and private investment in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure.

South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, supported by a multi-billion-dollar international investment, aims to transition the country away from coal to renewable energy. Such a plan could be a model for others in the Global South. According to the World Bank, the global market for green bonds exceeded $1 trillion in 2023, signalling a growing appetite for climate-friendly investments. Explore mechanisms to attract this type of capital to finance projects like clean energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture.

Harness technology: Technology transfer is a critical issue, particularly when it comes to renewable energy and early warning systems for natural disasters. Developed countries must honour their commitments under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change’s Technology Mechanism to support developing nations in acquiring clean technologies. However, the Global South should also take proactive steps to harness indigenous technologies and knowledge systems that have proven effective in addressing climate challenges. For example, water harvesting techniques that have been used for centuries in arid regions like Rajasthan and the Sahel in Africa can be scaled up.

The Global South must take advantage of the digital revolution to better monitor climate risks and manage resources. Satellite technology, mobile applications for farmers, and artificial intelligence-driven climate models are all critical tools. Governments should invest in technological infrastructure that facilitates climate adaptation.

Promote South-South cooperation: While global North-South cooperation remains essential, developing nations should also deepen South-South cooperation. These partnerships have the potential to be transformative, enabling shared expertise, technologies, and financial resources. Brazil has been a global leader in sustainable agriculture and biofuels, and its innovations in these fields can be shared with other developing nations. Similarly, China has made significant investments in solar technology, which could be transferred to African nations looking to diversify their energy mix.

The Global South should push for the creation of more robust frameworks for South-South cooperation on climate action at the COP29 — joint funding mechanisms, technology-sharing platforms, and the exchange of best practices in climate adaptation and mitigation.

For the Global South, COP29 represents a crucial opportunity to not only call for climate justice but also assert leadership in shaping the global climate response. Why wait for rescue when you can be the revolution? It’s time to flip the script on climate change at COP29!

The author is Fortune-500 advisor, start-up investor, and co-founder, Medici Institute for Innovation.

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