ECA’s Claver Gatete Advocates Urgent Action for Climate Resilience in Africa

At COP29, Claver Gatete urged world leaders to take immediate and ambitious climate action, highlighting that Africa endures substantial economic losses from climate change while contributing minimally to emissions. He presented a five-step vision aimed at transforming Africa into a leader in green growth, emphasizing the need for enhanced climate finance and cooperation from global partners. Gatete warned of the dire costs of inaction, advocating for a sustainable and prosperous future for the continent.

During COP29 held in Baku, Claver Gatete, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), emphasized the urgent need for robust climate action. He highlighted that Africa suffers disproportionately from climate change, incurring economic losses averaging 5% of GDP due to ongoing climate disruptions. Gatete detailed a transformative five-step vision for Africa, focusing on leveraging the continent’s rich mineral resources for economic growth, enhancing carbon capture via nature-based solutions, establishing a strong climate finance goal, accelerating the transition to renewable energy, and fostering collaborative global action. He underscored the dire consequences of inaction, warning that the cost of neglecting climate adaptation efforts could be far greater than the investments required to build sustainable resilience. African economies, while contributing minimally to global emissions, face severe climate-related challenges that necessitate immediate and decisive international support. Gatete urged global partners to fulfill their climate commitments and work alongside Africa to secure a prosperous future for the continent, emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility in combating climate change.

The article discusses the impact of climate change on Africa, particularly in the context of recent discussions at the COP29 conference. It illustrates how, despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa incurs significant economic losses due to climate disruptions, which are exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in health, food security, and economic stability. Mr. Gatete proposes actionable steps to transition the continent towards climate resilience and sustainable economic development, emphasizing the moral obligation of wealthier nations to support Africa’s climate action efforts.

In conclusion, the call from Claver Gatete at COP29 serves as a decisive reminder of the challenges Africa faces in light of climate change and the urgent need for collaborative action. His five-step vision, emphasizing renewable energy, carbon capture, and heightened climate finance, outlines critical pathways toward sustainable development. The notion that the costs of inaction will be significantly higher highlights the immediate need for both local commitment and global support to ensure a resilient future for Africa.

Original Source: www.uneca.org