Expectations are exceedingly high for the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP21) climate conference as major world leaders (unlike at past COPs) have signaled strong support to finalize a legally binding international climate agreement limiting global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Another major difference this year: Africa will likely be a key player. The challenges and priorities for the continent at COP21 will go beyond strategies to limit greenhouse gas emissions, like adaptation mechanisms to reduce vulnerabilities and financing measures to ensure sustainable growth. At the conference, Africa will have a united stand on the best course of action to address climate change in Africa. Amadou Sy discusses the continent’s position and expectations in his policy brief “Financing Adaptation and Mitigation in the World’s Most Vulnerable Region,” part of the recent Brookings publication, “COP21 at Paris: What to Expect.”