Activist Vanessa Nakate says Africa is not responsible for the climate crisis

September 28, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Activist Vanessa Nakate says Africa is not responsible for the climate crisis

Ugandan Climate Activist Vanessa Nakate Advocates for African Climate Justice

Vanessa Nakate, a climate activist from Uganda, has been at the forefront of the global climate movement, pushing world leaders to take action on the issue. Her efforts have taken her from the streets of Kampala to international conferences, where she has spoken about the dangers of global warming.

Nakate’s focus is on highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on African countries. She notes that Africa did not create the crisis and is now bearing a significant burden. As a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, Nakate has witnessed firsthand the effects of climate change on communities.

Despite progress being slow, Nakate remains committed to her cause. She emphasizes the need for major polluters to be held accountable for their actions. The activist also highlights the importance of raising awareness about how global warming is affecting African countries, which are often left out of discussions on climate policy.

Nakate acknowledges that she sometimes feels discouraged by the state of the world, but she finds encouragement in grassroots initiatives that are driving change. Her efforts aim to bring attention to the urgent need for climate action and to promote a more inclusive approach to addressing this global issue.

Source: Al Jazeera