Africa holds its inaugural G20 summit, urging wealthier nations to take greater action against climate emergencies.

South Africa is poised to host the inaugural G20 summit on African soil in Johannesburg this weekend, marking a significant milestone for the continent. The summit’s primary focus will be the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing nations and the urgent need for increased support from wealthier countries and international financial institutions.

In the township of Alexandra, efforts are being made to combat the adverse effects of climate change, exemplified by the work of the Alexandra Water Warriors. These volunteers engage in initiatives like planting native trees to alleviate urban heat and recycling trash from the Jukskei River, showcasing grassroots resilience in confronting environmental challenges.

Despite such local initiatives, South Africa grapples with severe climate-induced disasters. Floods in the Eastern Cape in June resulted in over 100 deaths, a tragedy exacerbated by inadequate housing and crumbling infrastructure. An Amnesty International report highlights that around 5 million people living in informal settlements lack essential services, increasing their vulnerability to climate-related disasters.

The upcoming summit aims to address these pressing challenges, with South Africa calling on developed nations to honor their climate financing commitments. Although agreements have been made in the past, funding levels remain woefully inadequate to tackle the significant financial need for combating climate change. Furthermore, the absence of the United States from the summit, due to diplomatic tensions, may complicate consensus-building efforts.

Additionally, the G20 summit will discuss debt relief for developing nations, with recommendations for new debt refinancing initiatives. Experts advocate collaboration between the G20 and the International Monetary Fund to provide more affordable financial solutions, such as debt swaps, to alleviate the burdens faced by low-income countries.

Overall, the Johannesburg summit serves as a crucial platform for advocating equitable solutions to the global challenges of climate change and economic disparities.