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Paper short abstract

Africa faces extreme climate impacts. Climate justice demands transformative change: decolonize knowledge, reimagine economies, amplify grassroots voices & foster solidarity. Shift from surviving to thriving!

Paper long abstract

Climate justice is a pressing concern for African futures, as the continent grapples with the disproportionate impacts of climate change. While adaptation strategies have dominated the narrative, there is a growing recognition that transformative change is necessary to address the root causes of climate injustice. This paper explores the intersections of climate justice, African futures, and transformative change, highlighting the need for a shift from mere adaptation to systemic transformation.

Africa's vulnerability to climate change is exacerbated by historical and ongoing global inequalities, colonialism, and neoliberal economic structures. Climate justice demands that we address these structural injustices and prioritize the rights and knowledge of African communities. Transformative change requires a fundamental rethinking of development paradigms, economic systems, and power relations.

Drawing on African perspectives and epistemologies, this paper argues that climate justice must be grounded in principles of equity, solidarity, and Ubuntu (interconnectedness). It highlights the importance of community-led initiatives, indigenous knowledge, and feminist perspectives in shaping climate responses.

The paper proposes a framework for transformative change, centered on:

1. Decolonizing climate knowledge: Challenging dominant Western epistemologies and centering African perspectives.

2. Reimagining economies: Shifting towards regenerative, just, and equitable economic systems.

3. Amplifying grassroots voices: Supporting community-led climate initiatives and feminist movements.

4. Fostering solidarity

By prioritizing transformative change, we can create a more just and sustainable future for Africa, one that is grounded in the principles of climate justice and Ubuntu.

✅ Keywords: Climate justice, African futures, transformative change, adaptation, Ubuntu, decolonization, equity, solidarity.