African Communities Facing Climate Impacts - COP31 Voices

Why am I going to COP31? Because over the past year, I have visited more communities directly affected by the climate crisis than the average person probably ever will. I have sat with people, listened to their stories, documented some of their experiences and, at other times, simply listened quietly. From communities facing displacement and environmental destruction to people whose livelihoods, homes and futures are being threatened, I have seen that the impacts of the climate crisis are not just environmental. They are economic, social, cultural and deeply human. I am going to COP31 because these experiences should not end as stories told in affected communities. They deserve to be heard where decisions are made. Too often, the people making decisions are far removed from the realities of those living with the consequences. And even when affected communities want to reach their leaders, the bureaucracy, access barriers and complicated processes can make it incredibly difficult. I don’t want COP31 to be another space where people talk about communities without actually listening to them. So, from 9–21 November, I want to hear from you. Wherever you are in Africa, reach out to me. I will be in the comments and my DMs will be open. What struggles is your community facing because of the climate crisis? What stories do you think the world needs to hear? Which leaders, institutions or decision-makers do you want to reach? What would you want them to know if you had the opportunity to speak directly to them? I may not have all the answers, and I cannot promise to solve every problem. But I can listen, ask questions, document experiences and find ways to bring these realities into conversations happening at COP31. I cannot claim to speak for everyone I meet. But I can help create more space for their voices to be heard