Africa calls for global support on climate adaptation at COP29 Africa Day Side Event

Addis Ababa, November 14, 2024 (FBC) – UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Executive Secretary, Claver Gatete, at a high-level side event on the margins of COP29, emphasized the urgent need for increased climate financing and global cooperation to address Africa’s escalating climate challenges.

Speaking at the Africa Pavilion in Baku, Gatete stressed the theme of this year’s Africa Day, “Scaling up Financing for Climate Adaptation and Green Growth in Africa.” calling on global partners to match Africa’s commitment to combating climate change with substantial, actionable support.

The Executive Secretary highlighted the devastating impact of climate change on the African continent, where nations lose up to 5 percent of GDP annually due to climate-related disruptions.

He pointed out that while Africa contributes minimally to global emissions, the continent faces disproportionate challenges and risks, which are exacerbated by existing inequities in climate finance.

“Africa, despite its minimal contribution to global emissions, is committed to doing its part,” Gatete said. “However, we call upon global partners to match this commitment with actionable support, because delaying increases risks for us all.”

Gatete also outlined five critical policy priorities that could steer Africa towards a climate-resilient future, including leveraging Africa’s vast mineral resources for a green economic transformation, enhancing the continent’s carbon capture potential, and committing to the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for Africa’s climate financing needs, estimated at US 1.3 USD trillion.

He also stressed the importance of transitioning to renewable energy to safeguard Africa’s long-term economic resilience.

“The transition to renewable energy is unstoppable. As the world moves toward a green economy, Africa has a chance to position itself at the forefront,” Gatete stated, emphasizing that coordinated policies and investments could make Africa a global hub for clean energy.

In his closing remarks, Gatete urged the international community to take urgent, decisive action to limit greenhouse gas emissions, noting that the cost of inaction would far outweigh the investment needed to build a resilient and prosperous future for Africa and the world.

“The ECA remains committed to joining hands with our partners to establish an equitable approach to scaling climate finance for Africa,” he said. “Together, we can work to ensure a sustainable future for Africa and the world.”

This event underscored the growing urgency for climate action and collaboration to secure Africa’s future in the face of climate change.