Mpho Manesa and Matšilo Nkabane
The 2024 UN climate change conference (COP29) under the theme “In solidarity for a green world” recently came to an end in Baku, Azerbaijan. Not much was reported about the attendance of Lesotho at the conference. The shallow media coverage and attendance of delegates at the COP29 raises serious questions about Lesotho’s commitment to mitigating climate change.
Lesotho is among the developing countries of the world that are deeply impacted by climate change, particularly in rural areas where food production is adversely affected by the changing weather patterns catastrophic droughts and erratic rainfalls that have led to increasing food insecurity and poverty.
The COP29 summit underscored the dire necessity for small nations like Lesotho to take a more proactive role in climate negotiations. As global temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, the voices of the most vulnerable nations grow increasingly critical in the global discourse on climate action.
However, Lesotho’s lack of visible engagement in these summits reflects a missed opportunity to advocate for its national interests and assert its rightful place among countries calling for equitable solutions to the climate crisis.
COP29 presented an opportunity for Lesotho to engage in regional collaborations that will enhance solutions to the pressing issues of our environment. Furthermore, cooperation on climate change challenges is vital in enhancing the resilience of the country and region as a whole. If Lesotho is intentional in its fight against the climate change crisis, it should collaborate with other nations facing a similar crisis by forming alliances and partnerships with countries contributing to climate resilience initiatives. Now is right the time for Lesotho to consider how climate action and poverty reduction can reinforce each other.
One of the defining moments of COP29 was the dramatic walkout of small nations during negotiations over financing for global emissions. Frustrated by the refusal of larger polluters to commit to fair compensation for the damage caused by their historical and ongoing emissions, these nations made a bold statement: the climate crisis is not just a matter of science but of justice.
For countries like Lesotho, which are disproportionately affected by climate change despite contributing minimally to global emissions, this stance resonates deeply. Yet, Lesotho’s absence from this collective action was notable, raising questions about its strategic priorities and readiness to advocate for its people on the global stage.
The COP29 negotiations centred heavily on the issue of “loss and damage” financing—a fund designed to assist countries that are already experiencing the devastating effects of climate change.
While historic progress was made at COP28 with the establishment of the fund, COP29 exposed the rift between developed and developing nations on how the fund should be operationalised and financed. Small nations demanded concrete commitments, emphasising that promises without action would leave them to bear the brunt of a crisis they did not create. This is precisely the kind of negotiation where Lesotho’s voice is needed to amplify the call for accountability and fairness.
Lesotho’s limited participation in COP summits is also a missed opportunity to shape its global identity. Active involvement in climate diplomacy would signal to the international community that Lesotho is not just a victim of climate change but a proactive player in seeking solutions. This shift in perception could bolster the country’s standing in international relations, opening doors for broader cooperation and development assistance.
The walkout of small nations at COP29 should serve as a wake-up call for Lesotho. It is a reminder that the climate crisis is a global problem that requires unity and solidarity among vulnerable nations to counterbalance the dominance of larger, more powerful states.
By joining this collective action, Lesotho can align itself with the growing momentum for justice and accountability in climate governance. Lesotho cannot afford to remain on the sidelines of global climate negotiations. The time has come to step up, speak out, and take its rightful place in the fight for a just and sustainable future.
To avert the further devastating impacts of climate change, Lesotho must strengthen its national policies by engaging in global discussions about climate change as this can help the government align its policies with international standards and commitment. Engaging in global discussions on climate change does not only give citizens optimism that climate change is a phenomenon that can be combated but it also provides Lesotho with an opportunity to connect with other nations, NGOs and stakeholders to build long-lasting partnerships to collaborate against the devastating impacts of climate change.
Representatives from Lesotho were expected to push for increased international support and investment in climate adaptation programmes by being active in such International forums. This presents a potential for Lesotho to raise its profile by being on the global stage, attracting attention by sharing their perspectives, challenges and successes of climate change.
COP29 does not just present a vital platform for young leaders to connect with global stakeholders but provides a significant component of Lesotho’s strategy includes empowering youth to create a society that develops sustainable solutions. Young people are often deeply impacted by climate change yet they are left behind in climate discussions. More participation of young people in international climate discussions like COP29 is vital for voicing the concerns and ideas of the youth at the conference.
In conclusion, the most drastic action in climate change is inaction. Lesotho needs to work harder in combating the impacts of climate change by forming alliances with other countries. The government should align its national policies with global climate goals to achieve climate solutions. It is possible to combat climate change through regional continental and international cooperation.
