African leaders unite for climate action at 2024 UN Climate Change Conference
Date: 2024-09-26
The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, has brought African leaders together to advocate for a unified and equitable climate finance framework. This framework aims to address the urgency and scale of the climate crisis, considering the needs of the African continent and other developing economies.
During the
extraordinary meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government
on Climate Change, held on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General
Assembly in New York, African leaders emphasized the importance of presenting a
compelling and unified voice on climate finance.
Kenyan
President William Samoei Ruto stressed that Africa must present a strong,
unified voice for climate finance that matches the urgency and scale of the
crisis. He emphasized the need for climate justice, recognizing Africa's
vulnerability to climate change despite contributing minimally to global
emissions.
African leaders
are seeking a fair and equitable climate finance system, adaptation finance to
support resilience building, and operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund
to assist poorer nations affected by unavoidable climate risks.
The African
Development Bank has launched a Climate Action Window to mobilize up to $14
billion to support adaptation in 37 low-income countries. Africa aims to become
a renewable energy superpower, leveraging its vast potential in solar, wind,
and hydroelectric power.
International
cooperation and commitment are crucial to the success of Africa's climate
agenda. Developed countries must honor their pledge to provide $100 billion
annually to support climate action in developing countries.
As the 2024 UN
Climate Change Conference progresses, African leaders will continue to advocate
for a unified and equitable climate finance framework prioritizing the
continent's needs and those of other developing economies.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
