COP29-Africa: Kagame Calls for Sufficient Climate Funding

By The Inspirer.

President Paul Kagame has called for adequate climate funding for Africa, highlighting the continent’s “considerable contributions” while emphasizing that Africa is “the least responsible” for global emissions.

On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, President Paul Kagame participated in the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP29). During a session titled “Measuring Africa’s Green Wealth,” the Rwandan head of state stressed that Africa must reaffirm its position as a key player in the fight against climate change.

Highlighting that Africa is the continent least responsible for global greenhouse gas emissions, President Kagame urged global leaders to establish adequate climate financing for Africa. “Africa has a mission: to reaffirm its role as a key player in combating climate change. Unfortunately, inadequate access to climate financing remains Africa’s biggest challenge. Promises made at previous summits have not been fulfilled. This is unacceptable,” he stated.

“Our continent bears the least responsibility for global emissions, and therefore the least responsibility for the climate crisis. Being fairly compensated for our substantial contributions to climate solutions is not too much to ask,” he added.

Africa has enormous potential to expand clean energy access for millions. However, sub-Saharan Africa receives less than 3% of global climate financing, which hampers efforts to advance national adaptation plans and nationally determined contributions.

Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, advocated for strengthening the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of African countries to reflect natural assets such as forests and carbon sinks. “There is no reason for Africa to be green-poor. Africa should enjoy robust green growth through proper valuation of its vast contributions to global environmental services,” Adesina said.

The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) has gathered 198 members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It is chaired by Mukhtar Babayev, the current Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, and will conclude on November 22, 2024.

theinspirerpublications@gmail.com