Critical Assessment of the Role and the Response of the African Union and Subregional Intergovernmental Organizations in Combating Climate Change
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Date
2013-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Africa is the continent which contributes least to global emissions of greenhouse gases-yet is the
most vulnerable to its effects of reducing agricultural production, food security, increased
flooding and drought, widespread diseases, availability of water, and conflict over scarce land
and water resources. The fact that Africa is regarded as one of the most vulnerable continents in
terms of climate change means that Africa needs to take some initiatives to combat the adverse
impacts of climate change. The continent’s particular vulnerability will be exacerbated unless
urgent action is taken. This thesis is conducted to identify the actual and potential impacts of
climate change in Africa, international climate change negotiations and how and to what extent
these international negotiations have been protecting the interests of Africa. Specifically, the
thesis aims to identify the roles and responses of the African Union and sub-regional
intergovernmental organizations in combating climate change. To gather the needed data,
exploratory method of research is used to explore international climate change regimes, climate
change regimes of the African Union and sub-regional intergovernmental organizations,
decisions and declarations of the African Union, programs and projects implemented by the
African Union, sub- regional intergovernmental organizations and individual African states. The
results showed that the African Union, as a pan African institution, responds to avert the
catastrophes of climate change by enacting its own climate change regimes, acceding to the
UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol, developing its common position to climate change. The African
Union also responds to climate change in partnership with various multilateral and bilateral
organizations. On the other hand, sub- regional intergovernmental organizations also play a key
role in combating climate change. However, the responses of the African Union and subregional
intergovernmental organizations is mainly hampered by member states’ conflicting
needs and interests, lack of clear relationship between the African Union and sub- regional
intergovernmental organizations, regional power house and the existence of various policy gaps
at the national and sub- regional levels. So, sub- regional intergovernmental organizations and
individual African states should harmonize interests and needs with that of the African Union.
African governments should integrate climate change issues into economic planning and
management at both national levels and should enhance coordination among them. Measures
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Critical Assessment of the Role and the Response of the African