Critique of Denmark's Poor Listening Skills Towards Africa's Climate Goals
Analysis of Danish-African climate cooperation.
In an article for Altinget, Associate Professor Stig Jensen together with Rune Larsen, points out the hypocrisy of Denmark’s climate initiatives. Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, Dan Jørgensen and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, have spoken out about the money Denmark is to give to the loss and damages fund meant for Africa. They flaunt Denmark’s generosity while disregarding its role in the climate crisis. The fund would provide African countries with money for climate related problems; however, the way in which the money would be administered leaves Denmark and the West in charge of its spending. Also, they critique Dan Jørgensen and Mette Frederiksen for patting themselves on the back for donating to this fund when it is not administered in a way that respects the autonomy of African countries. They also argues alongside African leaders to urge the West to give Africa more funding and agency to allocate those funds. Denmark pretends to listen to the continent while at the same time not understanding what they demand, which is primarily climate adaptation and more funding.
To learn more, read here; in Danish.