Over the past few days at COP29, I’ve had the chance to visit many of the pavilions, which I’ve found to be one of the most engaging aspects of the event. These spaces provide an opportunity to connect directly with leaders and delegates from various nations, allowing for meaningful discussions on the climate issues they face and the innovative solutions they are pursuing. While the official negotiations are crucial, I believe the pavilions are where we see the most action—where collaboration and real-world solutions come to life. Many countries and organizations are showcasing impressive work on climate migration and adaptation, with beautifully designed displays to highlight their efforts.
What I find most enriching is the chance to meet and converse with leaders from different countries, learning about their unique journeys and perspectives on climate change. These conversations underscore the critical role each nation plays in the global response to this crisis.
I also had the privilege of visiting several pavilions from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), which I’m particularly interested in. These nations face some of the most acute challenges when it comes to adapting to climate change, especially while trying to urbanize and develop. One event I found particularly insightful was the “Challenges of Accessing Solar Energy in Africa” session hosted by the International Solar Alliance. As of 2024, 33 of the 46 LDCs are located in Africa(1), many of which are situated in regions prone to extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and cyclones—events that are becoming more frequent and intense.
These African LDCs are especially vulnerable due to their dependence on rain-fed agriculture, making them susceptible to unpredictable precipitation patterns that lead to food insecurity and economic instability. This scenario creates a complex challenge for these nations. They are ideal candidates for climate financing, yet much of the funding has yet to reach them. Interestingly, some higher-income nations have been more successful in accessing these funds. A case in point is Nigeria. A representative from Nigeria’s Ministry shared that the country had secured a World Bank loan to develop a solar site and plans to acquire additional funding from Japan. While they acknowledged the high interest rates on these loans, they still viewed them as a positive step forward. It’s important to note, however, that Nigeria has the highest overall income in Africa(2), so while they were able to utilize private funding, loans may not be the best option for other LDCs.
This situation contrasts sharply with The Gambia, which has one of the lowest GDPs in Africa. I had the opportunity to speak with Bafoday Sanyang, the National Ozone Officer at The Gambia’s National Environment Agency. He proudly referred to the country as “The Smiling Coast of Africa,” and we discussed how LDCs like The Gambia are struggling not just with climate change, but with providing energy for basic needs. Unlike developed nations transitioning to renewable energy, LDCs often need relatively low-capacity energy systems to address fundamental needs like heating, cooking, and food preservation.
However, these countries face numerous challenges: high upfront costs, expensive repairs, technology gaps, and even a negative stigma surrounding solar energy. During the session, a young woman shared a personal story about how her family had received funding for a solar system, but it didn’t work at night or during the rain. In some parts of Africa, solar is still seen as a “poor man’s technology,” whereas electricity is often associated with wealth. This is a stark contrast to the perspective of solar energy in the United States, where it is seen as a cutting-edge, upper-class technology.
Another country facing solar integration challenges is Mozambique, which ranks as the third-largest LDC by GDP (1). While Mozambique is more developed than many other LDCs, it still faces significant barriers to adopting renewable energy solutions. At a panel on “Local Experiences on Climate Change: Mitigation and Adaptation,” representatives from ADPP discussed how they are educating local communities about climate change and introducing solar-powered stoves to meet cooking needs.
These solar projects in LDCs are vastly different from my work as a solar designer in the United States. In the U.S., funding and expertise are often more readily available, and the solar systems are much larger in scale. Thanks to programs like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), there is clear financial backing and a direct path for developers to implement solar projects. In contrast, LDCs like The Gambia and Mozambique struggle with funding and technical expertise, requiring more targeted support for solar integration.
Interestingly, this situation mirrors the challenges faced by Enfield, North Carolina, a town where I’m working on integrating solar energy. Like many LDCs, Enfield faces challenges with upfront investment and repair costs. With a prominent agricultural sector, the town is keen on transitioning to renewable energy without disrupting local agriculture. There is also a significant need for community support, which is a common theme in many LDCs.
What strikes me most in comparing these cases is how similar the challenges are between LDCs in Africa and rural communities in the U.S. As we explore the unique challenges each nation faces, it becomes clear that we need a comprehensive framework to support solar integration in regions that would benefit most from this technology. The message from COP29 is clear: while we outline what should be included in climate financing for adaptation and mitigation, we must also ensure that nations have a clear roadmap to transition to low-carbon, renewable energy systems. Each nation has different resources, but it is evident that many lack the capacity to integrate solar energy without external support.
Overall, COP29 has highlighted the need for more targeted and equitable support for solar energy deployment, especially in the world’s most vulnerable nations. By understanding the challenges and providing the necessary resources, we can help ensure that solar energy becomes a viable solution for everyone.
Leave a Reply