Interview with Peter Odhengo, Head of Climate Finance and Green Economy Unit (#FLLoca Program)

Summary

In the Climate Dialogues, Mr. Peter Oeno, Senior Policy Advisor on Climate Finance, discusses the urgent need for increased climate financing for Africa following the Africa Climate Summit 2023. He highlights that while global climate finance is rising, Africa's share remains disproportionately low at about 4%. Emphasizing the importance of action over dialogue, he calls for the fulfillment of promises made during the summit, urging immediate support for vulnerable communities facing climate challenges. Oeno advocates for investment strategies that prioritize resilience and adaptation to effectively combat the impacts of climate change.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Climate justice is urgent and requires immediate action, not just conversations.
• 🗣️ The discussion highlights the importance of mobilizing climate finance to support those in need.
• 💡 Stakeholders are called upon to fulfill promises made during climate summits, especially regarding financial commitments.
• 📈 Impact needs to be measured at the grassroots level where climate issues are most pressing.
• 📝 The conversation emphasizes that mere dialogue is insufficient; tangible results are essential.
• ⏳ The time for talk in high-level meetings is over; decisive action is now required.
• 🚨 There's a call to avoid inaction in the face of crises, such as climate-related health issues.
• 🤝 Collaboration among nations and organizations is necessary to address climate challenges effectively.
• 📊 It is crucial to hold leaders accountable for their pledges related to climate finance.
• ⚠️ The urgency of climate issues demands that all parties take responsibility and act swiftly.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the Africa Climate Summit 2023 as highlighted by Mr. Oeno?

The primary focus was on enhancing access to climate finance for adaptation efforts in Africa, as well as restructuring the global financial architecture to better support the continent.

How much of the global climate finance has been received by Africa, according to Mr. Oeno?

Africa has been receiving approximately 4% of global climate finance, which has stagnated over the last two decades.

What are the major reasons for the decrease in climate finance flows to Africa?

The decrease is attributed to a global focus on mitigation over adaptation, a lack of bankable project proposals for adaptation, geopolitical factors, and high debt stress among African countries.

What specific initiatives did the Africa Climate Summit promote regarding local climate action?

The summit highlighted the need for financing locally-led climate action, emphasizing that adaptation and building local resilience should be central to climate strategies.

What is the role of technology transfer in climate finance, according to Mr. Oeno?

Technology transfer is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enabling effective adaptation efforts at both national and local levels.

How is Kenya positioned in terms of climate data and early warning systems compared to its neighbors?

Kenya is leading the region by having a National Framework for Climate Services, which includes effective early warning systems that are integrated at the local level.

What shifts are necessary in investment decisions to better account for climate risks?

Investment decisions need to include climate risk assessments and prioritize climate-sensitive sectors, ensuring that additional funding is allocated to enhance resilience.

What does Mr. Oeno identify as a key challenge in mobilizing adaptation finance?

A key challenge is demonstrating the necessity of adaptation projects, as there are very few showcase cases available to illustrate their effectiveness.

What does Mr. Oeno suggest is essential for accessing climate finance effectively?

He emphasizes the need for innovative and transformative project proposals, credible climate data, and the establishment of effective institutional frameworks.

What final message did Mr. Oeno convey regarding the commitments made during the Africa Climate Summit?

Mr. Oeno stressed the urgency for action rather than conversation, urging that those who made promises during the summit must now deliver on their commitments to mobilize climate finance.