African Activists for Climate Justice: A United Front for Climate Action

The African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) Global Convening Meeting (GCM) in South Africa serves as a crucial platform for uniting activists, policymakers, and organizations in the fight for a just climate transition. Under the banner of #AACJ2025GCM, the convening underscores the power of collaboration in addressing the climate crisis and amplifying African voices on the global stage.

A Call for Collective Action

Climate action is not the responsibility of a single entity. It requires a coalition of voices, expertise, and strategies to forge pathways toward resilience. As Melissa Groenink, Country Lead of AACJ South Africa, aptly stated:

    “When it comes to climate action, there is no one person, no one organization, and no one country that can do it alone. This is the reason why this platform (AACJ2025GCM) is a critical space for collaboration to achieve better outcomes.”

The AACJ2025GCM serves as a melting pot of ideas where local and international stakeholders come together to build a shared vision for sustainable development and environmental justice.

The Geo-Political Landscape and Climate Justice

The African continent remains disproportionately affected by climate change, despite contributing the least to global emissions. The need for a coordinated response, especially in the face of geopolitical challenges, is more critical than ever. Memory Kachambwa, Executive Director of FEMNET, emphasized the importance of African solidarity:

    “What has befallen us in the geopolitical landscape is not surprising. We anticipated this, and this is the reason why we started African Activists for Climate Justice. We now need to come together, more than ever, and protect what matters to us, for climate change is affecting us the most.”

With shifting global priorities and economic pressures, African nations must assert their agency and push for policies that reflect the realities of communities most impacted by climate disruptions.

In his opening remarks at the convening, Dr. Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), set the tone for the discussions, highlighting the historical moment in which Africa finds itself. He emphasized that climate justice is not a choice but a necessity in ensuring the continent’s survival and prosperity.

    “Africa stands at a crossroads, facing both the perils of climate inaction and the promise of a just, sustainable future. We must move beyond rhetoric and act decisively to safeguard our communities, resources, and livelihoods.”

Dr. Mwenda’s call to action is clear—Africa cannot afford to remain reactive to the climate crisis. Instead, it must lead the charge in global climate governance, ensuring that its interests are safeguarded in the race for solutions.

Championing Climate Justice Through Advocacy

At the core of the AACJ movement is the belief that climate justice is not just about reducing carbon emissions but also addressing social inequalities and ensuring that vulnerable populations are at the center of climate solutions. The AACJ2025GCM provides a stage for grassroots activists, indigenous leaders, and youth to advocate for policies that prioritize people over profits.

As climate negotiations continue in international forums, Africa’s unified voice must challenge extractive industries, demand fair financing mechanisms, and push for accountability from polluting nations. The convening sets the stage for bold commitments that will shape Africa’s climate action roadmap ahead of COP29 and beyond.

A Future Built on Unity and Action

The AACJ2025GCM is more than just a meeting; it is a movement towards a more just and sustainable future for Africa. Through collective action, strong advocacy, and relentless activism, African nations can chart their course in the fight for climate justice.

With powerful voices leading the charge and organizations standing in solidarity, this convening is a testament to Africa’s resilience and determination to secure a climate-just future. As the journey continues, the message is clear—climate action is a shared responsibility, and together, Africa will rise.