Global Governance around Climate Change

African COIL on Climate Change and Sustainability Education – Acclimatise
Global Governance around Climate Change

On 6^th March 2025, our guest lecturer Yvonne Nyokabi of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) shared insights on building consensus in climate governance during the 2nd Acclimatise guest lecture. She started off with a question to the leaners on what they think is the biggest challenge in global climate change policy.

The Climate Challenge: A Global Perspective

In her lecture, Yvonne highlighted the distinct reality of the climate crisis explaining that despite numerous pledges made by countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, there remains a significant gap between these commitments and their actual implementation. The discrepancy between commitments and implementation poses a formidable challenge in the fight against global warming, as the world races to limit temperature increases to below 2 degrees Celsius (with an aspirational goal of 1.5 degrees).

The Role of International Frameworks

A key focus of Yvonne’s lecture was the role of international frameworks in addressing climate change. She emphasized the importance of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in providing scientific assessments that inform global policy. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement were also presented as critical platforms for fostering international cooperation and accountability.

Yvonne emphasized the significance of the Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, as a turning point in climate negotiations. The Agreement requires all countries to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlining their climate action plans. Yvonne stressed that developed nations have a responsibility to support developing countries through financial and technological assistance, ensuring that all nations contribute to the global effort.

The African Perspective

One evocative aspect of Yvonne’s lecture was her emphasis on the African perspective in climate discussions. The recent Africa Climate Summit underscored the need for African nations to be seen as active participants in climate solutions rather than mere victims of climate change. Yvonne called for a shift in narrative, advocating for African countries to leverage their unique positions and resources to drive innovative climate initiatives.

The lecture highlighted the relationship between rising temperatures and the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria. As climate change alters ecosystems, the risk of disease transmission increases, posing a significant public health challenge that must be addressed alongside environmental concerns.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Yvonne’s lecture served as a powerful reminder of the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for collective action. She challenged learners that as individuals, communities, and nations, each must recognize their role in this global challenge and work together to implement effective solutions. That it is important to not only commit but also collaborate, innovate and adapt to the changing world around us.

Students’ Concerns and Questions

The students raised critical reflection questions including;