Pan-African Parliament urged to lead stronger climate legislation as continent faces escalating impacts – EnviroNews

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The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) has called on the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) to intensify legislative action and continental coordination on climate change, warning that Africa is already experiencing severe and escalating impacts that threaten livelihoods, food systems, and long‑term development.

Addressing the PAP Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in Midrand, South Africa, PACJA Executive Director, Dr. Mithika Mwenda, said climate change “is no longer a distant threat – we feel it, smell it and hear it.” He cited prolonged droughts, destructive floods, biodiversity loss, and declining agricultural productivity as clear evidence that the continent is in the midst of a climate emergency.

Mwenda congratulated the newly elected Chairperson and Rapporteur of the Committee and emphasised the central role of parliamentarians in shaping Africa’s climate future. Beyond lawmaking, he said legislators are responsible for representing citizens, overseeing government commitments, approving budgets, and ensuring that climate policies translate into real benefits for communities.

He highlighted the importance of strong climate legislation, including the continental model law currently under development, noting that it provides the certainty needed to accelerate adaptation, strengthen resilience, promote renewable energy, safeguard natural resources, and unlock sustainable economic opportunities. He stressed that climate considerations must be integrated across all sectors – agriculture, water, infrastructure, health, energy, and finance.

Reflecting on more than a decade of collaboration between PACJA and PAP, Mwenda said the partnership has strengthened parliamentary capacity, enhanced knowledge sharing, and advanced climate‑responsive legislation across Africa. He described the Third Parliamentarians Summit on Climate and Equity, held in Midrand in 2023, as a major milestone that unified African lawmakers around shared priorities and strengthened the continent’s voice in global climate governance.

“As we look ahead to COP32 in Ethiopia in 2027, we have an opportunity to deepen this partnership,” he said, urging continued investment in parliamentary capacity to understand emerging climate issues, develop evidence‑based laws, monitor implementation, and advocate for adequate climate finance. He emphasized the need to keep youth, women, indigenous peoples, and local communities at the center of climate policymaking.

Mwenda underscored PAP’s leadership role in harmonizing climate legislation across member states, promoting peer learning, and ensuring accountability in implementing continental and international commitments – including Agenda 2063, Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, and the Addis Ababa Declaration from the 2025 Africa Climate Summit.

He noted that Africa holds immense potential in renewable energy, critical minerals, natural capital, innovation, and youthful talent. With visionary leadership and effective legislation, he said, climate action can drive inclusive economic growth, green jobs, food security, energy access, and sustainable development.

Mwenda reaffirmed PACJA’s commitment to supporting PAP in driving bold legislative action and stronger partnerships. He announced that PACJA had received approval from the PAP President to begin preparations for the Fourth Parliamentarians Summit next year, expressing hope that it would be even more impactful and contribute significantly to the COP32 roadmap.

“Together, we can ensure that Africa not only responds to the climate crisis, but leads with solutions that are equitable, resilient, and rooted in the aspirations of our people,” he said.