Against the background of COP17 in Durban, South Africa in November, which some are already calling "Africa's COP," now more than ever it is imperative that Africa begins to speak with one voice. It is only with one loud and very persistent voice that Africa can hope to influence any global agreement that materializes from this climate change conference – an agreement that must address development on the continent and poverty reduction plans. And clearly that plan needs follow-up action.

Environmental hard-liners have called on Africa to declare war on climate change. Perhaps they see "war" as a fitting way to a take-no-prisoners attitude, which can get the world's attention. The method of this war is to send out a powerful international warning on global warming, offer climate change mitigation programs, and seek a unified approach to climate change from governments, businesses, civil organizations and Africans themselves.

The threat to Africa is extensive. The continent is already suffering the crushing consequences of climate change and global warming in numerous life-threatening ways. High temperatures, rising sea levels, food insecurity, water scarcity, increasing migration, poverty, extreme weather-related disasters and depleting energy resources are all well documented ill-effects. And while the drought in the Horn of Africa is seen by some to have political undertones, it is fundamentally a tragic calling card clearly showing that the developing world is much more at risk to the impact of climate change than the developed world.

One of the biggest constraints to Africa's development is its energy shortage, directly linked to climate change. This must be addressed; otherwise those Africans living below the poverty line will experience more severe energy deprivation. This can be addressed through switching to sustainable energy sources. For this to happen Africa needs to be provided with the technology from the developed world to move forward and in this regard, industrialized nations are urged to assist in dealing with the energy poverty crisis in Africa. The Millennium Development Goals are very clear on the challenges that must be addressed in the developing world. World Bank data shows that only 31 percent of Africa's population has access to energy. At present rates of electrification, most African countries will not achieve universal access to electricity even by 2050.

In addressing the energy access challenge, some countries in Africa could exploit potentially important bio-fuel sources. In addition developing Africa's huge hydropower potential, of which less than 5 percent is being used, also presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities and an area where global investment and global technology can help.

As much of Africa's fuel is wood based, deforestation is a massive concern. The protection of forests is essential for reducing emissions from deforestation. Africa's rainforests, like those in the Congo Basin, make a major contribution to protecting the global climate. Methods to reward efforts that avoid deforestation are essential, but alternative sustainable fuel sources must be put in place or forests will continue to be raped.

Going forward Africa can help itself to combat climate change. Systems need to be set up to monitor and promote awareness and impacts of climate change, effective policies are required based on accurate research and African policymakers need to recognize the importance for Africa to actively engage in global climate change negotiations.

Ultimately much of the effects of climate change in Africa are the result of developed nations using the continent as a resource reservoir, where much has been taken and little given back. Commitments made at climate change conferences by developed nations should not just be well-crafted words to make newspaper headlines; they need to be followed through. Africa's COP deserves that.

The Editor