COP27: Abigael Kima’s Cautious Optimism

The producer and host of the Hali-Hewa podcast (Hali-Hewa is a Swahili term for ‘climate’), Kima advocates for real stories and experiences of African communities being impacted negatively by climate change to be used as reference points for decision making. Her podcast features African activists and climate experts as co-hosts, and discusses climate themes, including just energy transition, loss and damage, youth participation in intergovernmental processes and indigenous rights. Kima believes that only by acknowledging Africa’s unique climate challenges and taking appropriate actions—such as a clear pathway and financing for just energy—can we achieve climate justice for Africa.

In the following conversation, we spoke to Abigael about her expectations for the upcoming COP27, the need to prioritize African climate issues, and the ways in which young people can advocate for climate justice across Africa.