Climate Politics

Globally, political leaders are lauding the acceptance of the global and legally binding Paris Agreement on Climate Change at COP 21 as a historical moment. It achieves a goal long believed unattainable. However, judged against the enormity of the challenge and the needs and pressure from people on the ground demanding a global deal anchored in climate justice (“system change, not climate change!”), the Paris Agreement can only be called a collective failure and disappointment. Read a critical assessment by HBS colleagues from around the world. 

As the world's poorest and most vulnerable populations suffer huge losses from climate change, the entities most responsible for the problem - the so-called "Big Polluters" - continue to reap billions in profits. This has to change.

As the world's poorest and most vulnerable populations suffer huge losses from climate change, the entities most responsible for the problem - the so-called "Big Polluters" - continue to reap billions in profits. This has to change.

For many rural Kenyans, it’s too expensive for households to pay to be connected to the national electricity grid. Some communities, who live near the right kinds of rivers are opting for a cheaper, more sustainable option: small scale hydro plants, to power lights, charge mobile phones, and pick up on the airwaves. South Africa-based science writer Leonie Joubert takes a closer look at a thriving model for community development.

Women across all sectors of society are leading the way in efforts to build resilience and adapt to the impacts of climate change. To highlight on effective climate actions, on 22 September 2014, UN Women and the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice, co-hosted the Leaders’ Forum on Women Leading the Way: Raising Ambition for Climate Action in New York City. In order to shed more light on the Forum, the Heinrich Böll Stiftung (HBS) interviewed Ms Cecilia Kibe, the Executive Director Kenya Climate Justice Women Champions (KCJWC), who participated in this Forum in her capacity.

What are the common obstacles that African National/ Multilateral/ and Regional Implementing Entities face during the Adaptation Fund Board accreditation process and during the execution of projects?

Media has the responsibility to inform people about the effects of climate change, however, these issues are often complex and technical. Journalists therefore need the right knowledge and training to have power, reach and integrity in their reporting.

Five years on, proponents are now optimistic that the Climate Change Bill and Policy will pass within the next six months. Now is the time for inputs and critical reflections.