ActionAid urges COP29 to unlock funds for energy transition

Stanley Ihedigbo

As the world struggles to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, marginalized communities bear the brunt of climate devastation, ActionAid International’s Global Lead on Climate Justice, Teresa Anderson, has urged the need for COP29 to secure trillions of dollars in climate finance.

“Ambitious climate finance is crucial for developing countries drowning in debt from climate impacts.

“Grants, not loans or private finance, are essential for a just transition, investing in infrastructure, training, and sustainable livelihoods,” Anderson stressed.

Climate Justice Advisor for Liberia and Nigeria, Friday Ogezi, highlighted the Niger Delta’s plight, where 2.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas are flared daily, poisoning water and destroying farmland.

“Vulnerable communities must be prioritized in energy transition conversations,” Ogezi demands.

“We need a just transition backed by adequate finance in grants, not empty promises.”

ActionAid’s call to action is clear: phase out fossil fuels, fund renewable energy solutions, prioritize community needs and demand, unlock trillions of dollars in climate finance for energy transition, focus on grants to governments, rather than loans or private finance, prioritize community involvement and investment in infrastructure, training, and sustainable livelihoods, ensure a just transition, addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.