07 November 2024 – As COP29 approaches, it is clear that we are at a critical juncture in the global fight against climate change. In the latest episode of The Sustainability Salon with Nonhlanhla, I hosted a conversation with two leading voices in sustainability, each bringing perspectives from both the Global North and South. Cliff Chivanga, co-founder of the Zimbabwe Sunshine Group, and Supriya Singh, member of The Club of Rome, sustainability strategist and PhD candidate in Corporate Sustainability Management, offered compelling insights on what is at stake at this year’s conference and how COP29 might drive transformative change.
Our conversation centred on the urgent need for cross sector collaboration, corporate accountability, and greater financial commitments to support vulnerable regions. The overarching question: Will COP29 finally bridge the divides that hinder unified global action on climate?
Why COP29 is different
This year’s summit, referred to as the “Finance COP,” underscores the pressing need to fulfil past promises with real financial commitments. The numbers speak volumes. Africa alone loses between 5% to 15% of its GDP annually due to climate-related challenges, according to Chivanga, who underscored the human and economic toll of inaction:
“Between 5% to 15% of the GDP in Africa is lost every year due to the impact of climate change,” he noted. “For us to close the gap in terms of resources, the African Development Bank estimates that Africa needs around 2.8 trillion US dollars in investment.”
This staggering figure highlights just how high the stakes are for developing countries. The gap between what is needed and what has been provided remains vast, making COP29 a potential turning point. For regions like Southern Africa, where local communities and governments struggle with technical and financial limitations, the international community’s support is crucial.
The role of finance and local government support
Local governments in Southern Africa face significant barriers to executing their climate plans, and financial resources alone will not solve the problem. Technical expertise is often lacking, making it difficult to implement even the most well-intentioned projects.
Moreover, a need for technology transfer, where advanced nations could play a more meaningful role by sharing proven solutions. This approach would allow developing countries to scale initiatives and avoid the trial-and-error stage. Importantly, indigenous knowledge systems should be integrated into project design and implementation to ensure that solutions are culturally relevant and effective.
“There is a need for us to also look at Indigenous knowledge systems. “It is not just about borrowing technology but designing solutions that resonate with our communities.” says Chivanga.
Corporate responsibility in the climate equation
Supriya Singh brought a corporate lens to the conversation, highlighting the pivotal role businesses must play in achieving the ambitious goals of COP29. She urged that the climate crisis demands a united, “all-hands-on-deck” approach, a sentiment echoed by the COP29 President-designate. “Corporations,” she contended, “must move beyond pledges and into action, especially when it comes to reducing emissions and supporting nature-based solutions”.
“Corporate action on climate is not just desirable or a good thing to do. It is urgent and non-negotiable. We cannot have a comprehensive climate action plan without the corporate sector stepping up.”
Businesses, she added, face both risks and opportunities related to climate change. There are risks to operations due to extreme weather events, changing regulatory landscapes, and evolving market demands. But on the opportunity side, the innovation potential is immense. For corporations, adapting supply chains, investing in renewable energy, and pioneering sustainable products are not only responsible actions but also profitable ones.
To that end, Singh explained why corporate timelines need to shift from distant, vague targets to near-term, actionable goals:
“A five- to 10-year horizon is what I think needs to be there,” she said. “CEOs change, strategies evolve, so having 2050 as a target is just not practical. Instead, companies should focus on the next five to 10 years, where progress can be measured.”
Empowering the next generation
Young people are increasingly vocal about their climate concerns, but in previous COPs, their roles were often limited. Cliff acknowledged this disparity, expressing hope that recent efforts, like the introduction of youth champions at COP28, would allow young voices to be truly influential rather than symbolic.
“Participation should not just be at the level of tokenism. Even some of the resolutions that young people put forward should be taken seriously and integrated into the main outcomes of these COP discussions.”
For meaningful change, young people’s involvement must extend beyond conferences and into the practical implementation of climate solutions. Engaging youth in this way not only supports fresh ideas and energy but also fosters accountability for the future.
A central theme of our discussion was the need to bridge the gap that exists globally. Disparities in resources, technology, and political willpower often leave Southern nations at a disadvantage despite bearing the brunt of climate change impacts. Supriya highlighted the role of the North in facilitating knowledge-sharing and providing financial and technical resources.
“The all-hands-on-deck approach reinforces that every societal actor has a role to play. That includes those with advanced resources and technology in the North, who must work collaboratively with the South to address this crisis.”
A path forward: beyond COP29
The real measure of COP29’s success will be the commitments it generates and the actions that follow. For too long, international summits have yielded high aspirations but limited execution. This time, the global community must demand accountability from all actors: nations, businesses and individuals alike.
COP29 should set an actionable agenda that unifies climate efforts across regions, industries, and generations. Leaders must ensure that the discussions are not only visionary but rooted in pragmatic plans that drive real-world outcomes. If COP29 can achieve this, it will represent a step toward a more inclusive and equitable approach to tackling climate change. Now, more than ever, we must leverage our shared knowledge, amplify diverse voices, and work together toward a sustainable and equitable future.
