World leaders, business executives, activists, and delegates convene annually to discuss pressing climate change issues at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change better known as COP. From November 6-20, 2022, COP marked its 27th year of negotiations and policy commitments, but this time at the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. COP27 held high-level and side events, key negotiations, and press conferences, hosting more than 100 Heads of State and Governments, over 35,000 participants, and numerous pavilions showcasing climate action around the world and across different sectors. From corruption to famine, from the civil war to failing infrastructure, the urgency to address climate change continues to be on the back burner. Africa is far more likely to suffer the effects of global warming — some of which are already being felt.

After years of resistance from rich governments, nations for the first time agreed to set up a fund to provide payouts to developing countries that suffer "loss and damage" from climate-driven storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires. Nevertheless, some electricity-poor nations in Africa argued for their right to develop their natural gas reserves, even as they face increasing climate impacts such as drought. In this episode, Global Take podcast host, Alexanderia Haidara, talks with Mr. Raymond B. Kaniu, founder and CEO of Strahel Composite think tank, on climate finance, climate reparations, and the future of climate change policy with the African Union. Strahl Composite is a start-up international affairs organization that arose from the inherent need to inform both the general public and decision-makers in Africa, and globally.