Somalia Needs a New Paradigm for Inclusive Climate Action

Somalia stands at the epicenter of climate change's devastating effects, facing a harsh reality of recurring climate-induced disasters such as droughts, floods, and environmental degradation. While the country contributes less than 0.03% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it disproportionately suffers from severe climate shocks. With millions displaced and livelihoods decimated, the call for a transformative approach to climate action in Somalia has never been more urgent.

The government has taken commendable steps by establishing the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and ratifying the National Environmental Protection Law. However, current interventions remain fragmented, underfunded, and ineffective. It is time for a new, inclusive, and rights-based approach that is locally led, grounded in community realities, and tailored to Somalia's unique challenges. This op-ed outlines how Somalia can shift to a more cohesive and sustainable climate action framework, one that not only addresses environmental challenges but also champions social justice and inclusivity.

A Climate Crisis that Spares No One

Somalia’s economy relies heavily on rain-fed agriculture and pastoralism, sectors that are highly vulnerable to climate change. With each drought, flood, and unpredictable rainfall pattern, Somalia’s food and water security become more precarious. The devastating impacts are felt most by the country’s women, children, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities, who are often left out of decision-making processes.

For instance, the 2023 Deyr floods, driven by El Niño, displaced over 1.2 million people and intensified poverty and fragility. Somalia now requires an estimated $230.6 million for recovery and $2 billion annually for climate adaptation. These figures are staggering, particularly in a country where climate funding is scarce, with most financing relying on international donors. The reality is that continuing with "business as usual" will only deepen the cycle of climate vulnerability and hinder Somalia’s long-term recovery.

Fragmentation and Underfunding: Somalia’s Climate Action Gaps

One of the most pressing issues in Somalia’s climate response is the lack of coordination across government levels—federal, regional, and local. Each operates in silos, leading to fragmented interventions and redundant efforts. This disjointed approach also limits the effectiveness of climate action, leaving communities to cope with inadequate support and unclear policies.

Moreover, Somalia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plan (NAP) remain critically underfunded. The national budget allocates no significant resources to climate action, making it impossible for Somalia to meet its climate objectives without international financial support. Closing this funding gap is essential to advancing both mitigation and adaptation efforts, especially in a country already grappling with conflict and limited institutional capacity.

Shaping a New Paradigm for Climate Action

To overcome these challenges, Somalia must embrace a new paradigm for climate action that prioritizes inclusivity, coordination, and rights-based approaches. Here are several key strategies that should guide Somalia’s climate future:

Whole-of-Government Coordination

A unified national strategy is critical to aligning climate action priorities across federal, regional, and local governments. This approach would streamline disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and mitigation efforts, ensuring that all levels of government work toward common goals. Somalia should also reaffirm its commitment to international frameworks, such as the Sendai Framework, which outlines comprehensive disaster risk reduction strategies.

Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration

Climate action cannot be left to governments alone. Businesses, academia, civil society, and vulnerable groups must come together to tackle the climate crisis. Establishing a robust national platform for collaboration would allow stakeholders to contribute meaningfully, ensuring climate policies are informed by local knowledge and realities. This platform could also facilitate the development of a detailed work plan, complete with goals, indicators of success, and dedicated resources.

Human Rights-Based Approach

Current climate strategies often overlook the rights of marginalized populations. It is essential to integrate human rights principles into all climate policies to ensure the most vulnerable—women, children, persons with disabilities—are not left behind. Including these groups in decision-making bodies would guarantee that climate action is both equitable and socially just.

Attracting Climate Financing

Somalia needs to diversify its climate financing sources, tapping into grants, loans, donor funds, and private sector investments. These funds would help scale up adaptation projects and ensure the country meets its NDC and NAP targets. This is particularly crucial given that Somalia’s annual climate funding needs are double its GDP.

Recognizing Traditional Knowledge

Local communities hold invaluable ecological knowledge that can enhance climate resilience. By incorporating traditional practices into climate strategies, Somalia can develop locally appropriate solutions to environmental challenges.

Climate Education and Awareness

Raising public awareness about climate change is essential for building resilience. Educational campaigns in schools and communities should promote climate action, empowering citizens to contribute to the national effort. Capacity-building programs can also help individuals and communities better understand and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

A Path Forward for Somalia’s Climate Action

Somalia has the potential to chart a new course in its fight against climate change. By fostering collaboration, securing sustainable financing, and promoting inclusivity, the country can overcome its current vulnerabilities. Moreover, Somalia’s civil society organizations and academic institutions are uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing this new climate action paradigm.

Inclusive climate action is not just a moral imperative; it is a necessity for ensuring Somalia’s future. Leaving no one behind means creating policies that give a voice to all populations, particularly those who have been historically marginalized. Somalia’s survival depends on its ability to adapt to the climate crisis—swiftly, inclusively, and holistically.

It’s time to move beyond fragmented efforts and embrace a new climate future that reflects the voices and realities of all Somalis.