Bridging the Climate Gap: Reconciling Global Commitments and Local Realities in East Africa through COP 30

The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP 30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), scheduled for November 2025 in Belém, Brazil, is anticipated to be a critical event for climate action. Particularly with regard to pushing for the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the outcomes of the first global stock take.

COP 30 proves to be a relevant event for East African countries which have been riddled with various negative consequences as a result of global warming. It is an opportunity to seek funding, justice, and resources to deal with the effects of these catastrophes. Global commitments have historically been established in conferences like COP 21 in Paris,  COP 26 in Glasgow and COP 27 in Egypt. While these set the foundation for what could become transformative support, there is more work to be done to operationalise these pledges, particularly for East Africa.

This article examines how COP 30 could become a turning point for East Africa by driving targeted, locally led climate action. It explores the region’s unique climate challenges, reviews existing policy efforts, and outlines key priorities for stakeholders. To deliver tangible outcomes, COP 30 must drive localised climate action in East Africa by addressing regional challenges, strengthening policy efforts, and delivering tangible outcomes for one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions.

Climate Change effects in East Africa

East Africa is grappling with some of the most dire environmental and socio-economic consequences of global climate change.

Environmental impacts

a) Droughts: Recurrent droughts have wreaked havoc on agriculture and pastoralism in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia. The Horn of Africa saw five consecutive failed rainy seasons between 2020 and 2023, pushing over 23 million people into severe hunger and over 13 million animals to perish. These countries are now in a perpetual state of emergency, with barely any time to recover between crises.

b) Flooding: While parts of the region dry out, others drown. Since 2020, South Sudan has experienced severe seasonal flooding which affects over 700,000 people annually. In Uganda, rising water levels and flash floods, especially in the low-lying areas surrounding Lake Victoria have occurred, endangering infrastructure and biodiversity.

c) Melting Glaciers: The once snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya and the Rwenzori Mountains are rapidly losing their glaciers. These serve as vital freshwater sources, and their loss has profound implications for ecosystems and downstream communities.

Figure 1: A shrinking glacier in Mount Kenya national park. Source

Socio-economic Impacts

a) Food Insecurity: Chronic hunger affects millions of people in East Africa. Because 80% of agriculture depends on rainfall, it is extremely vulnerable to changes in the climate. Even little changes in rainfall can have a significant impact on output. The changing climate frequently erases harvests, increasing dependence on food aid.

b) Displacement and Resource Conflict: Conflicts within and across borders have worsened due to dwindling resources, especially amongst pastoralist communities in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda. Climate-related displacement is now a major driver of humanitarian crises.

c) Economic Vulnerability: Agriculture accounts for up to 30% of GDP in most East African economies and employs a majority of the workforce. Another important source of income, tourism, is in jeopardy as climate change damages ecosystems like coral reefs and wildlife habitats. Economic resilience is nevertheless precarious in the absence of immediate adjustments.

East Africa’s Climate Policy Landscape

a) Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

Under the Paris Agreement, East African nations have submitted NDCs detailing their objectives for climate action. For instance, by 2030, Kenya wants to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 32%. Rwanda and Uganda have similar ambitious goals, emphasising climate-smart agriculture, sustainable forestry, and renewable energy. However, certain implementation challenges such as financial constraints, technological gaps, and human and institutional capacity, persist.

b) Regional Cooperation

The regional movement to handle climate challenges cooperatively is gaining traction. A Climate Change Master Plan (2022–2031) has been introduced by the East African Community (EAC), with an emphasis on resource sharing and standardised policies among member nations. Similar to this, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development  (IGAD) is essential in improving preparedness and resilience by offering drought monitoring, early warning systems, and regional climate services. Although political difficulties among riparian governments can impede progress, transboundary water governance initiatives, like those spearheaded by the Nile Basin Initiative and the Lake Victoria Basin Commission, seek to resolve disputes over shared water resources.

What East Africa Needs from COP 30

a) Increased Climate Financing

Finance remains central to effective climate action, and East African countries urgently need increased and accessible funding. To support important sensitive sectors, adaptation funding, which now accounts for less than 30% of global climate flows, needs to be increased. Further, to prevent increasing debt loads, grants should be prioritised over loans, and the Loss and Damage Fund needs to be operationalised with transparent, fair access guidelines. Importantly, community-based organisations should receive greater direct funding since they frequently provide the most effective and locally relevant solutions.

b) Technology Transfer & Capacity Building

Technology transfer and capacity building are vital for boosting resilience in East Africa. Climate-resilient farming and drought-resistant crops can improve food security amid changing weather patterns. Early warning systems help reduce disaster-related deaths and losses, while off-grid renewable energy, like solar and biogas, can power rural services and improve livelihoods. Capacity-building should target both communities and institutions, with a focus on empowering women and youth as key drivers of change.

c) Equitable Representation

Equitable representation is essential for East African nations in global climate negotiations. COP 30 must prioritize climate justice by ensuring that African negotiators have meaningful roles in decision-making, not merely a symbolic presence.

How East Africa Can Influence COP 30 Outcomes

A unified position among EAC and IGAD members can increase bargaining power. East Africa would have a more powerful voice in climate negotiations if the region coordinated on common priorities, like access to technology and funding for adaptation. This can be done by developing joint negotiating positions, advocating for Africa-specific financing mechanisms and aligning with other Global South regions.

a) Leveraging Civil Society and Youth Movements

Climate activism is on the rise in East Africa, especially among the youth and civil society organisations in nations like Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Global attention has been drawn to movements like Vanessa Nakate's Fridays for Future Uganda, while institutions like the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre assist green entrepreneurs that tackle issues in agriculture and energy. These organisations are essential for energising communities, influencing legislation, and promoting grassroots ideas like plastic substitutes and regenerative agriculture.

b) Showcasing local solutions

East Africa is a centre of innovation providing workable, scalable solutions. Agroforestry systems in Uganda, off-grid solar models like M-KOPA, and geothermal energy in Kenya show how local creativity may address both adaptation and mitigation. Mangrove restoration initiatives in Tanzania enable sustainable lives while safeguarding coasts. By demonstrating that local initiatives may have a significant impact on global climate policy, COP 30 provides an essential platform to highlight these indigenous and nature-based solutions, draw in investment, and influence global policy.

Figure 2: A geothermal energy plant. Source

Risks and Missed Opportunities

Ignoring East Africa's climate priorities will have dire and far-reaching effects. Rising rates of starvation, displacement, and protracted emergencies are indicators of the region's growing humanitarian problems. Due to their heavy reliance on climate-sensitive industries, rural economies run the risk of collapsing, which might lead to a large-scale migration to already overburdened urban areas. Furthermore, increasing competition for diminishing natural resources has the potential to exacerbate conflicts and destabilise entire regions. Not only does inaction have a financial cost, but it also jeopardises security, lives, and long-term regional stability.

The danger of vague or non-binding commitments is that they often amount to little more than empty promises. Even the most ambitious climate pledges may not have a significant impact if there are unclear enforcement procedures in place. Strong accountability structures, including legally enforceable agreements on climate finance and emissions reductions, are essential for COP 30 to be successful. Independent review procedures are also necessary to keep tabs on developments, guarantee openness, and hold parties responsible for their promises.

Conclusion

COP 30 represents a pivotal opportunity to secure tangible support for East Africa’s climate priorities. It can align global solidarity with localized solutions, link financial flows with community needs, and strengthen global-local connections in the fight against climate change. The time for tokenism and delay is over. COP 30 must deliver, for East Africa, and for the planet.