As the world marks Earth Day 2026, the Africa Make Big Polluters Pay (MBPP) Coalition has called for urgent and decisive action to confront the worsening climate crisis and the systemic drivers of environmental degradation across the continent.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the coalition emphasized that this year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” reflects the immediacy and severity of the climate emergency, warning that it is no longer a distant threat but a present and escalating global crisis.
The group highlighted the growing environmental challenges across Africa from biodiversity loss and extreme heat to erratic rainfall, rising sea levels, and climate-induced displacement stressing that while the continent contributes the least to global emissions, it continues to bear a disproportionate burden of climate impacts.
“Whether in the forests of Kenya or in Nigeria’s grasslands, the impacts are already being felt globally, with disproportionate consequences for countries in the Global South, particularly across Africa,” the coalition stated.
Rejection of Exploitative Climate Solutions
The coalition strongly rejected what it described as externally imposed and ineffective climate solutions, warning against the continued use of Africa as a testing ground for experimental carbon schemes.
It also condemned the commodification of nature, including carbon markets and biodiversity offsets, arguing that such mechanisms allow industrialized nations to continue emissions while shifting ecological responsibility to developing regions.
“We reject the growing commodification of nature through carbon markets, biodiversity offsets, and speculative ecological finance mechanisms,” the statement read.
Call to Hold Polluters Accountable
Reaffirming the Polluter Pays Principle, the coalition demanded strict accountability from major fossil fuel corporations operating in Africa, including Shell, Chevron, and ExxonMobil, particularly for their activities in the Niger Delta.
It also raised concerns over industrial operations by foreign companies, including Chinese firms in the Congo, accusing them of environmental degradation, loss of livelihoods, and increased climate vulnerability.
“As exploitation of Africa’s resources grows, the earth’s climate deteriorates,” the coalition said, calling for an immediate halt to new fossil fuel exploration and a time-bound phase-out of existing infrastructure.
Protecting Ecosystems and Soil Integrity
The MBPP coalition stressed the need to protect Africa’s ecosystems as living systems, not tradable assets, urging governments to integrate practical environmental protections across all policies.
It warned that soils critical for food security, carbon storage, and biodiversity are under increasing threat from industrial agriculture, mining, and poorly regulated carbon offset initiatives.
“Soils are a dynamic component of the earth and must not be treated as tradable carbon sinks,” the coalition stated.
Push for Systemic Change and Climate Justice
The group called for a fundamental transformation of climate governance, advocating for an end to fossil fuel dependence and the prioritization of community-led and Indigenous resource management systems.
It stressed that symbolic observances must give way to concrete action, urging governments, communities, and global stakeholders to embrace collective responsibility in addressing the climate crisis.
“This year’s Earth Day must go beyond symbolic observance and instead signal a decisive shift toward ecological protection, enforceable climate justice, and systemic accountability,” the statement added.
About the Coalition
The Africa MBPP Coalition, comprising over 32 organizations across the continent, is dedicated to holding polluting corporations accountable and promoting sustainable, equitable environmental practices. Through its storytelling and advocacy platforms, the coalition continues to highlight the impacts of extractive industries and push for climate justice across Africa. The statement was signed by some of the coalition:
I. Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Nigeria
II. Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Nigeria
III. GenderCC Southern Africa
IV. Climate Awareness Advocacy and Resilience Initiative (CAARI)
V. DWB Foundation, Kenya
VI. Green Climate African Campaign
VII. Household Disaster Resilience Project, Help-Gambia
VIII. Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO), Uganda
IX. CherieHomes Global Initiatives, Nigeria
X. Centre pour la justice environnementale, CJE Togo
XI. Tell That Story, Nigeria
XII. Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre
XIII. Liberty Pro Bono Initiative, Uganda
XIV. Lekeh Development Foundation, Nigeria
XV. Youth Go Green Network-Liberia
XVI. Vision For Accelerated Sustainable Development (VAST), Ghana.
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