At COP29, ECA’s Executive Secretary Claver Gatete urged for ambitious climate actions, pointing out that African nations suffer heavily from climate change yet contribute minimally to global emissions. He proposed a five-step strategy to leverage Africa’s resources, enhance carbon capture, set climate finance targets, and accelerate the clean energy transition, emphasizing the urgent need for global partnership and action to prevent escalating costs of inaction.
During the recent COP29 summit in Baku, Claver Gatete, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), delivered a compelling call for urgent and ambitious climate action, emphasizing that the cost of inaction far exceeds the necessary investment to safeguard Africa’s future. He outlined the dire circumstances confronting the continent, which suffers disproportionately from climate disruptions despite minimal contributions to global emissions. Mr. Gatete highlighted that African economies are losing an average of 5% of GDP annually due to climate change, with some countries facing losses of up to 15%. He articulated a five-step strategy aimed at transforming Africa from a state of climate vulnerability to becoming a leader in green growth. These steps include utilizing critical minerals for economic advancement, enhancing carbon capture via nature-based solutions, establishing ambitious climate finance targets, accelerating the clean energy transition, and insisting on decisive global emissions reduction efforts. The implications of climate change in Africa are increasingly evident, with rising sea levels and prolonged droughts disrupting lives and economies across the continent. In 2023 alone, approximately 14 million individuals were pushed into poverty due to climate-related disasters. Mr. Gatete asserted that the burdens of climate change extend beyond economic losses, straining healthcare systems and exacerbating food insecurity and migration issues. He noted, “The daily realities grow worse for Africa. From infrastructure damage to health risks, the cost of these disruptions is mounting. We cannot afford to wait.” The first of Mr. Gatete’s proposed pillars focuses on leveraging Africa’s critical mineral resources—essential for the global clean energy transition. By capitalizing on the continent’s wealth of cobalt, lithium, and nickel, Africa has the potential not only to boost its own development but to significantly contribute to global clean energy initiatives. He cited successful partnerships, such as those between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, as exemplars of how regional collaboration can foster economic resilience and sustainable growth. Additionally, enhancing carbon capture through nature-based solutions, particularly in the Congo Basin, presents an opportunity for significant financial returns. Mr. Gatete advocated for investments in afforestation and reforestation initiatives that would yield high-integrity carbon credits. The third pillar stresses the necessity of an ambitious target for the New Collective Quantified Goal for climate finance, which could potentially mobilize $1.3 trillion annually to address Africa’s substantial climate financing needs. In advocating for an expedited clean energy transition, Mr. Gatete pointed out that, although Africa contributes less than 4% to global greenhouse gas emissions, it is uniquely positioned to be a hub for renewable energy production due to its vast solar, wind, and hydro resources. He remarked, “The transition to renewable energy is unstoppable. With coordinated policies and investment, Africa can position itself at the forefront of the green economy.” However, he cautioned that time is of the essence. Failure to act promptly will lead to escalating costs associated with disaster recovery and economic turmoil. According to the Global Commission on Adaptation, an investment in climate adaptation yields significant returns. The ECA Executive Secretary’s overarching message is clear: action is not only economically prudent but a fundamental moral obligation. Mr. Gatete concluded by emphasizing the need for global partnerships in addressing climate challenges. He stated, “Every delay and every disinformation increases risks for us all,” urging a collective effort to transcend mere rhetoric. The ECA’s ongoing collaborations aim to establish a fairer climate finance system that empowers Africa rather than exacerbating its debt. As global leaders reflect on Mr. Gatete’s poignant message, the crucial choice remains stark: invest in an Africa that thrives in the face of climate adversity or risk encountering far greater costs in the future.
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a regional arm of the United Nations, established to promote the economic and social development of African countries. With climate change posing an escalating threat to economies and livelihoods in Africa, the ECA plays a pivotal role in advocating for greater climate action, financial investment in adaptation, and leveraging the continent’s resources to position Africa as a leader in sustainable development. The COP29 conference serves as an important platform for influencing global climate policies and driving commitments toward more equitable climate finance.
In summation, Claver Gatete’s impassioned call for immediate climate action during COP29 underscores the urgent need for global recognition of the challenges facing Africa due to climate change. His five-step plan to transform the continent highlights the dual necessity of addressing climate vulnerabilities and seizing opportunities for sustainable growth. The collective responsibility of the international community is to support Africa in its fight against climate change, ensuring that the continent not only survives but thrives for future generations. Immediate investment in resilience is imperative to offset the dire economic repercussions of inaction.
Original Source: www.uneca.org
