Gatete Urges Immediate Climate Action for Africa’s Resilience at COP29
Claver Gatete, at COP29, called for urgent climate action for Africa, which faces significant economic losses due to climate change. He proposed a five-step plan to shift from vulnerability to leadership in green growth, stressing the continent’s potential to harness its resources and the importance of global cooperation in addressing climate finance needs. The costs of inaction are substantial, demanding immediate and collective efforts for sustainable development.
At COP29 in Baku, UN Under-Secretary-General Claver Gatete emphasized the urgent need for substantial climate action to avert dire economic consequences for Africa, which already suffers climate-related losses of up to 15% of GDP annually. Gatete outlined a five-step strategy to transition Africa from climate vulnerability to becoming a leader in green growth. This includes tapping into the continent’s critical minerals for economic transformation, enhancing carbon capture through nature-based solutions, raising ambitions for climate finance, accelerating the clean energy shift, and advocating for global emission reductions. With rising sea levels, droughts, and food insecurity presenting pressing threats, Mr. Gatete warned that the cost of inaction would be far greater than necessary investments for resilience. African countries are eager to leverage their vast renewable energy resources but require international partnerships and immediate actions to fulfill climate finance commitments. Ultimately, he calls for a collective global effort to ensure Africa thrives in the face of climate challenges, stressing that failure to invest in resilience today will result in much higher costs in the future.
The article highlights the critical message delivered by Claver Gatete, the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, during COP29. As leaders gathered to discuss climate action, Gatete articulated the harsh realities facing Africa, a continent significantly affected by climate change while contributing minimally to global emissions. His call for urgent action aims to address the mounting economic pressures, including substantial GDP losses and the spiraling costs of climate-related disasters, culminating in poverty and healthcare crises. The five-step plan he proposed focuses on sustainable development and investment in green technologies to harness Africa’s natural resources and empower economies against climate disruptions.
In conclusion, Claver Gatete’s address at COP29 underscored the pressing need for immediate and ambitious climate action to prevent further economic decline in Africa. The proposed strategies outline a pathway for leveraging Africa’s resources to foster sustainable growth while highlighting the importance of global cooperation in meeting climate finance obligations. As the continent stands at a crossroads, it is imperative that international partners recognize the urgency of the situation and commit to restorative measures, ensuring a resilient and prosperous future for Africa amid the challenges posed by climate change.
Original Source: www.uneca.org
