African leaders have proposed a global carbon tax regime in a joint declaration called the Nairobi Declaration. The declaration was released at the end of the three-day Africa Climate Summit in Kenya’s capital. The African heads of state plan to use the declaration as the basis for their negotiating position at the upcoming COP28 summit in November. The summit focused on mobilizing financing to adapt to extreme weather, conserve natural resources, and develop renewable energy. Africa is one of the most vulnerable continents to climate change but receives only about 12% of the financing it needs to cope.

The Nairobi Declaration calls on world leaders to support the proposal for a global carbon taxation regime, including a carbon tax on fossil fuel trade, maritime transport, and aviation. It also suggests the possibility of a global financial transaction tax. Human rights activist Graça Machel described the declaration as a “huge step forward” and emphasized that Africa is not here to be helped, but to offer opportunities for investment and solutions. The declaration argues that these measures would ensure large-scale financing for climate-related investments and protect tax increases from geopolitical and domestic political pressures.

While around two dozen countries currently impose taxes on carbon, the idea of a global carbon tax regime has not gained much traction. In the past, proposals for a financial transaction tax in the European Union to finance environmental priorities did not receive unanimous approval. Some activists argue that carbon credits, which allow polluters to offset emissions by funding green activities, are a pretext for big polluters to continue emitting carbon dioxide. The summit also faced criticism for not focusing enough on helping Africans adapt to extreme weather, and protesters demonstrated against Africa’s plan to sell carbon credits to foreign countries.

Despite these challenges, the Africa Climate Summit saw commitments of $23 billion to green projects from international governments, development banks, private investors, and philanthropists. However, African leaders acknowledged that these investments only scratch the surface of the continent’s financial needs and called for more systemic changes. The summit highlighted the urgent need for increased financing and support to address the impacts of climate change in Africa.

Original news source: Africa proposes global carbon taxes to fight climate change (BBC)

Listen

Slow

Normal

Fast

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Provide each group with a copy of the article. Instruct them to read the article and then work together to create a concise summary of the main points. After a designated amount of time, each group will share their summary with the class.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Have the class form pairs or small groups. Give each group a list of questions related to the article, such as “Do you think a global carbon tax regime is necessary? Why or why not?” or “What are some potential challenges of implementing a global carbon tax?” Instruct each group to discuss the questions and record their opinions. Afterward, have each group share their opinions with the class.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups. Assign one group to argue the pros of implementing a global carbon tax regime, and the other group to argue the cons. Give each group time to prepare their arguments and then hold a debate in the class. Encourage students to use evidence from the article to support their arguments.

– Keyword Hangman
Instructions: Write several keywords from the article on the board, leaving out some of the letters. Divide the class into two teams and have them take turns guessing the missing letters to complete the keywords. Each team can earn points for correctly guessing a letter or for correctly guessing the full keyword. This activity will help students review and reinforce vocabulary from the article.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Ask the students to imagine themselves as world leaders attending the COP28 summit in November. Instruct them to write a short speech or statement outlining their position on the proposal for a global carbon tax regime. They should consider the potential benefits and challenges discussed in the article and provide their own predictions for the outcome of the summit. Afterward, encourage students to share their speeches with the class and engage in a discussion about their different perspectives.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the Nairobi Declaration and why is it significant?
2. What measures does the Nairobi Declaration propose for a global carbon taxation regime?
3. How has the idea of a global carbon tax regime been received in the past?
4. What are some criticisms of carbon credits?
5. What commitments were made at the Africa Climate Summit in terms of financing green projects?
6. What did African leaders acknowledge about these investments?
7. What was the main focus of the Africa Climate Summit?
8. What are some of the impacts of climate change in Africa that need to be addressed?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

African leaders have proposed a global carbon tax regime in a joint declaration called the Nairobi Declaration. The declaration was released at the end of the three-day Africa Climate (1)______ in Kenya’s (2)______. The African heads of (3)______ plan to use the declaration as the basis for their negotiating position at the upcoming COP28 summit in November. The summit focused on mobilizing financing to adapt to extreme weather, conserve natural resources, and develop renewable energy. Africa is one of the most vulnerable continents to climate (4)______ but receives only about 12% of the financing it needs to cope.

The (5)______ Declaration calls on world leaders to support the proposal for a (6)______ carbon taxation regime, including a carbon tax on fossil fuel (7)______, maritime transport, and (8)______. It also suggests the possibility of a global financial transaction tax. Human rights activist Graça Machel described the declaration as a “huge step forward” and emphasized that Africa is not here to be helped, but to offer opportunities for investment and solutions. The declaration argues that these measures would ensure large-scale financing for climate-related investments and protect tax increases from geopolitical and (9)______ political pressures.

While around two dozen countries currently impose taxes on (10)______, the idea of a global carbon tax regime has not gained much traction. In the past, proposals for a financial transaction tax in the European Union to finance environmental priorities did not receive unanimous approval. Some activists argue that carbon credits, which allow polluters to offset emissions by funding green activities, are a pretext for big polluters to continue (11)______ carbon dioxide. The summit also faced criticism for not focusing enough on (12)______ Africans adapt to extreme (13)______, and protesters demonstrated against Africa’s plan to sell carbon (14)______ to foreign countries.

Despite these challenges, the Africa (15)______ Summit saw commitments of $23 billion to green projects from international governments, development banks, private investors, and philanthropists. However, African leaders (16)______ that these investments only scratch the surface of the continent’s financial needs and called for more systemic changes. The summit highlighted the urgent need for increased financing and support to address the impacts of climate change in Africa.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is a global carbon tax regime and why do you think African leaders are proposing it?
2. How would you feel if your country imposed a carbon tax on fossil fuel trade, maritime transport, and aviation?
3. Do you think a global financial transaction tax is a good idea? Why or why not?
4. Why do you think some activists argue that carbon credits are a pretext for big polluters to continue emitting carbon dioxide?
5. How do you think a global carbon tax regime would ensure large-scale financing for climate-related investments?
6. Do you think the Africa Climate Summit focused enough on helping Africans adapt to extreme weather? Why or why not?
7. What are some systemic changes that African leaders are calling for to address the impacts of climate change in Africa?
8. How do you think the $23 billion in commitments to green projects will benefit Africa?
9. What are some other ways that countries can contribute to financing and support for addressing climate change in Africa?
10. Do you think it is fair for Africa to sell carbon credits to foreign countries? Why or why not?
11. How do you think the global carbon tax regime proposed by African leaders would protect tax increases from geopolitical and domestic political pressures?
12. What are some potential challenges that could arise from implementing a global carbon tax regime?
13. How do you think the African heads of state can convince world leaders to support their proposal for a global carbon taxation regime?
14. Do you think the declaration released at the Africa Climate Summit is a significant step forward in addressing climate change? Why or why not?
15. How do you think the financing gap for climate change in Africa can be closed?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. carbon
2. tax
3. declaration
4. financing
5. climate
6. summit
7. Africa
8. investment

Meanings:
(a) The act of putting money into something to gain profit
(b) A meeting or conference of high-level officials
(c) The long-term weather patterns of a region
(d) The second-largest continent in the world
(e) A compulsory contribution to state revenue
(f) A formal or explicit statement or announcement
(g) A fee imposed on the emission of carbon dioxide
(h) The act of providing funds for a project or activity
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the main focus of the Nairobi Declaration?
(a) Reducing carbon emissions in Africa
(b) Promoting renewable energy development
(c) Implementing a global carbon tax regime
(d) Mobilizing financing for climate change adaptation

2. Why is Africa considered one of the most vulnerable continents to climate change?
(a) It receives insufficient financing to cope with climate change impacts
(b) It has a high carbon emissions rate
(c) It lacks natural resources for renewable energy development
(d) It is geographically located in a climate-sensitive region

3. What does the Nairobi Declaration propose in terms of carbon taxation?
(a) A carbon tax only on fossil fuel trade
(b) A carbon tax only on maritime transport and aviation
(c) A global carbon tax on fossil fuel trade, maritime transport, and aviation
(d) No specific proposal for carbon taxation

4. What did human rights activist Graça Machel say about the Nairobi Declaration?
(a) It is a “huge step forward” for Africa
(b) It is a step back in addressing climate change
(c) It is a threat to geopolitical and domestic political pressures
(d) It is a pretext for big polluters to continue emitting carbon dioxide

5. Why has the idea of a global carbon tax regime not gained much traction?
(a) Activists argue that carbon credits are a better solution than carbon taxation
(b) Some countries do not believe in the effectiveness of carbon taxation
(c) The European Union has not unanimously approved a financial transaction tax
(d) There is a lack of international consensus on carbon taxation

6. What criticism did the Africa Climate Summit face?
(a) It did not propose any financial commitments for green projects
(b) It focused too much on carbon credits and not enough on carbon taxation
(c) It did not address the impacts of climate change in Africa
(d) It did not focus enough on helping Africans adapt to extreme weather

7. How much financial commitments were made at the Africa Climate Summit?
(a) $12 billion
(b) $5 billion
(c) $23 billion
(d) $50 billion

8. What is the main message from African leaders at the summit?
(a) Africa is here to offer opportunities for investment and solutions
(b) More systemic changes are needed to address Africa’s financial needs
(c) Africa is the most vulnerable continent to climate change
(d) Africa needs more support from international governments and philanthropists

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. The Nairobi Declaration calls for a global carbon taxation regime, including a carbon tax on fossil fuel trade, maritime transport, and aviation.
2. The summit focused on mobilizing financing to adapt to extreme weather, conserve natural resources, and develop renewable energy.
3. The African heads of state plan to use the declaration as the basis for their negotiating position at the upcoming COP28 summit in November.
4. The Africa Climate Summit saw commitments of $23 billion to green projects from international governments, development banks, private investors, and philanthropists.
5. The declaration was released at the beginning of the three-day Africa Climate Summit in Kenya’s capital.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What is the Nairobi Declaration and why is it significant?
2. What measures does the Nairobi Declaration propose to address climate change?
3. Why has the idea of a global carbon tax regime not gained much traction?
4. What criticisms were raised against the Africa Climate Summit?
5. What commitments were made at the Africa Climate Summit and what further changes are needed?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What is the Nairobi Declaration and why is it significant?
The Nairobi Declaration is a joint declaration proposed by African leaders at the Africa Climate Summit. It is significant because it calls for a global carbon tax regime and will serve as the basis for Africa’s negotiating position at the upcoming COP28 summit.

2. What measures does the Nairobi Declaration propose for a global carbon taxation regime?
The Nairobi Declaration proposes a carbon tax on fossil fuel trade, maritime transport, and aviation. It also suggests the possibility of a global financial transaction tax.

3. How has the idea of a global carbon tax regime been received in the past?
The idea of a global carbon tax regime has not gained much traction in the past. While around two dozen countries currently impose taxes on carbon, proposals for a global carbon tax regime have faced challenges and have not received unanimous approval.

4. What are some criticisms of carbon credits?
Some activists argue that carbon credits, which allow polluters to offset emissions by funding green activities, are a pretext for big polluters to continue emitting carbon dioxide. Critics believe that carbon credits do not effectively address the issue of carbon emissions and can be used as a loophole.

5. What commitments were made at the Africa Climate Summit in terms of financing green projects?
The Africa Climate Summit saw commitments of $23 billion to green projects from international governments, development banks, private investors, and philanthropists.

6. What did African leaders acknowledge about these investments?
African leaders acknowledged that while the commitments made at the Africa Climate Summit are significant, they only scratch the surface of the continent’s financial needs. They called for more systemic changes and increased financing to address the impacts of climate change in Africa.

7. What was the main focus of the Africa Climate Summit?
The main focus of the Africa Climate Summit was mobilizing financing to adapt to extreme weather, conserve natural resources, and develop renewable energy.

8. What are some of the impacts of climate change in Africa that need to be addressed?
Some of the impacts of climate change in Africa that need to be addressed include extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, loss of biodiversity, desertification, and rising sea levels.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Summit
(2) capital
(3) state
(4) change
(5) Nairobi
(6) global
(7) trade
(8) aviation
(9) domestic
(10) carbon
(11) emitting
(12) helping
(13) weather
(14) credits
(15) Climate
(16) acknowledged
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. carbon
Answer: (g) A fee imposed on the emission of carbon dioxide

2. tax
Answer: (e) A compulsory contribution to state revenue

3. declaration
Answer: (f) A formal or explicit statement or announcement

4. financing
Answer: (h) The act of providing funds for a project or activity

5. climate
Answer: (c) The long-term weather patterns of a region

6. summit
Answer: (b) A meeting or conference of high-level officials

7. Africa
Answer: (d) The second-largest continent in the world

8. investment
Answer: (a) The act of putting money into something to gain profit
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the main focus of the Nairobi Declaration?
Answer: (d) Mobilizing financing for climate change adaptation

2. Why is Africa considered one of the most vulnerable continents to climate change?
Answer: (a) It receives insufficient financing to cope with climate change impacts

3. What does the Nairobi Declaration propose in terms of carbon taxation?
Answer: (c) A global carbon tax on fossil fuel trade, maritime transport, and aviation

4. What did human rights activist Graça Machel say about the Nairobi Declaration?
Answer: (a) It is a “huge step forward” for Africa

5. Why has the idea of a global carbon tax regime not gained much traction?
Answer: (b) Some countries do not believe in the effectiveness of carbon taxation

6. What criticism did the Africa Climate Summit face?
Answer: (d) It did not focus enough on helping Africans adapt to extreme weather

7. How much financial commitments were made at the Africa Climate Summit?
Answer: (c) $23 billion

8. What is the main message from African leaders at the summit?
Answer: (b) More systemic changes are needed to address Africa’s financial needs
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. The Nairobi Declaration calls for a global carbon taxation regime, including a carbon tax on fossil fuel trade, maritime transport, and aviation. (Answer: True)
2. The summit focused on mobilizing financing to adapt to extreme weather, conserve natural resources, and develop renewable energy. (Answer: True)
3. The African heads of state plan to use the declaration as the basis for their negotiating position at the upcoming COP28 summit in November. (Answer: True)
4. The Africa Climate Summit saw commitments of $23 billion to green projects from international governments, development banks, private investors, and philanthropists. (Answer: True)
5. The declaration was released at the beginning of the three-day Africa Climate Summit in Kenya’s capital. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧