8 November 2024: As the world gears up for COP29, set to kick off on 11 November 2024, Earthlife Africa Johannesburg has taken a bold step to ensure that grassroots voices from South Africa are heard loud and clear on the global stage. Through its series of community dialogues, aptly titled “Road Towards COP29, Grassroots Scamtho!”, Earthlife has brought together activists, community leaders, and environmental stakeholders from Gauteng, Limpopo, and the Eastern Cape to delve into some of the most pressing climate issues of our time.
Road to COP29 Scamtho event in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
What is COP, and Why Should Grassroots Communities Care?
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the United Nations’ annual climate change summit, where global leaders, scientists, and negotiators converge to address climate change. These conferences, which began in 1995, serve as critical platforms for assessing progress in combating climate change and making new commitments.
But COP isn’t just about high-level discussions. Grassroots communities play an essential role by holding governments accountable and ensuring that the voices of those most affected by climate change are represented. Issues like climate finance, renewable energy access, and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)—the climate action plans submitted by countries—are central to these discussions.
Road to COP29 Scamtho event in Lephalale, Limpopo.
For grassroots activists, COPs offer opportunities to spotlight local challenges and innovations, demand fair funding mechanisms, and advocate for equitable climate solutions that work for all.
Grassroots Scamtho: A Platform for Empowerment
The “Grassroots Scamtho!” dialogue series is Earthlife’s way of bridging the gap between international climate negotiations and local communities. These events have served as vital platforms for updating communities on the purpose and stakes of COP29, while gathering their input to inform South Africa’s priorities.
Why this initiative matters:
- Climate Finance: Many communities in South Africa bear the brunt of climate change yet struggle to access the funding needed to adapt or transition to sustainable energy systems. Understanding how international climate finance works—and how to hold stakeholders accountable—is crucial for grassroots empowerment.
- Renewable Energy: With South Africa’s ongoing energy crisis, discussions around a just energy transition are timely and essential. Grassroots communities have the chance to influence policies ensuring that renewable energy projects are inclusive and equitable.
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Communities often feel excluded from high-level policy decisions. By contributing to discussions about NDCs, they can shape South Africa’s commitments to ensure they align with local needs and realities.
Presidential Climate Change Commissioner Mbodi addressing the attendees of the Road to COP29 Scamtho event in Randburg, Gauteng.
Earthlife Africa Johannesburg structured its dialogues to be both informative and interactive:
- Panel Discussions: Experts and representatives from community and environmental forums shared insights on key climate issues.
- Interactive Sessions: These allowed community members to ask questions, raise concerns, and propose actionable ideas.
- Diverse Guest Speakers: Stakeholders from across sectors brought their expertise to the table, enriching the discussions and ensuring that grassroots perspectives are robustly informed.
Looking Ahead to COP29
As COP29 approaches, the input from these dialogues will play a key role in shaping South Africa’s voice at the summit. Earthlife Africa’s commitment to amplifying grassroots perspectives ensures that the priorities of local communities are front and centre in global discussions.
Earthlife Africa continues to champion environmental justice and sustainable development connecting local struggles with global solutions
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