Mohamed Adow

COP29 has been a disaster for the developing world. It’s a betrayal of both people and planet, by wealthy countries who claim to take climate change seriously. Rich countries have promised to “mobilise” some funds in the future, rather than provide them now. The cheque is in the mail. But lives and livelihoods in vulnerable countries are being lost now. At this 'Finance COP' not a single dollar of real climate finance has been provided right now. Not only did the global north impose a low-ball finance figure, it comes into force 11 years from now. This deal is too little, too late. The rich world staged a great escape in Baku. With no real money on the table, and vague and unaccountable promises of funds to be mobilised, they are trying to shirk their climate finance obligations. Leaving the world without the resources needed to avert climate catastrophe. Poor countries needed to see clear, grant based, climate finance that would boost their ability to deal with the impacts of the climate crisis and accelerate their decarbonisation efforts. But that was sorely lacking. United States nonsense On the one hand the US is forcing the global south to accept a low finance figure in Baku because they say the Donald Trump administration will give even less next year. But at the same time, they are promising a ‘roadmap’ to mobilising $1.3 trillion in private finance next year in Brazil, when it will be a Trump appointed team representing the US. 'Pollution permits' Baku will also be remembered for enabling rich polluters to cheat their way out of actual emission reductions through the use of dubious pollution permit markets. The carbon market rules will allow the richest to continue polluting, placing at risk the 1.5C target, while shifting the burden to developing countries. COP host - a national embarrassment This has been a shamefully led summit by Azerbaijan which deserves to be a global embarrassment for the wealthy countries and the COP president that facilitated them to dodge their obligations.

My latest op-ed for the Mail & Guardian on why Trump's grab of Venezuelan oil is yet another example of fossil fuels being a curse, not a blessing - No one ever invaded a country to seize their wind turbines. mg.co.za/thought-leader…

The world no longer needs more promises — but proof that multilateralism still works. If COP30 is to be remembered as the Implementation COP, it must also be the moment we re-anchor climate action in fairness, solidarity & accountability. powershiftafrica.org/publications/a… 4/4

At COP30, we need binding finance & tech transfer — not warm words. This summit must: ✅ Triple adaptation finance ✅ Operationalise Article 9.1 as a legal duty ✅ Unlock clean tech for the Global South ✅ Implement a Just Transition for all powershiftafrica.org/publications/a… 3/

Africa goes to Belém with a shared vision & a clear demand: COP30 must move us from promises to practice. More than a decade after Paris, climate diplomacy must now deliver real results. Our new policy brief sets out Africa’s priorities 👇🏿 powershiftafrica.org/publications/a… 1/

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, the Odinga family, and all Kenyans mourning this great loss. May his dedication continue to inspire efforts toward a just, inclusive, and sustainable world. 8/8

Throughout his career, Raila Odinga inspired a generation to believe that democracy could serve both people and planet. He challenged governments, communities, and international partners to think beyond short-term interests. 7/8

I, and the entire Power Shift Africa community, join fellow Kenyans and the world in mourning the passing of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, a statesman and pan-Africanist whose vision and courage transcended politics. 1/8

NEW DOCUMENTARY TEASER ALERT! On this International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste #IDAFLW, we’re excited to share the first look at our new documentary. Food loss and waste are silent drivers of hunger and climate change in Africa. In Ghana, OGA demonstrates a path of value addition, innovation, and community empowerment. Stay tuned. Full documentary coming soon!

The fix is justice: real, accountable finance; emissions cuts not carbon markets; clean supply chains that stop exploitation; and Global South leadership in shaping the transition. Leadership means structural change, not loopholes and foot dragging. powershiftafrica.org/blog/donald-tr… 8/8

The real con artists are not climate scientists but elites who have turned planetary survival into a market opportunity that preserves privilege. The crisis is urgent — but the “solutions” risk entrenching inequality. 7/

When Trump called climate change a “con job” many rolled their eyes. The truth is, the scam isn’t the science - that's solid - it’s the Global North’s response, which shifts costs & harms onto the Global South. Our piece on the real climate con: powershiftafrica.org/blog/donald-tr… 🧵👇🏿