Civil society leaders are calling on governments to put communities and children first in climate action. They stress that these groups face the harshest impacts of climate change.
Gift Numeri, chairperson of the Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC), spoke at the 5th African Regional Conference on Loss and Damage in Lilongwe, Malawi. He emphasized that communities are grappling with extreme weather events like droughts and floods, leading to food insecurity.
“Communities are suffering,” Numeri said, and he highlighted the need for climate strategies that genuinely include the voices of those most affected. Young people, in particular, must be involved in climate solutions.
He urged increased investment in initiatives led by youths, as well as in sustainable agriculture and education. “In Malawi, we’re witnessing the impacts of climate change directly, but we also see the strength of community-led efforts,” he added.
Lucy Alufandika, a farmer from Kholongo Village, echoed this sentiment. She noted the importance of local structures, like the Village Disaster Risk Management Committee, in responding to disasters. “Our district frequently faces floods. We report to authorities for quick solutions,” she said. Alufandika is committed to sharing climate information and called for better agricultural systems to tackle food insecurity caused by frequent disasters.
Recent reports indicate that climate-related disasters are increasing in frequency. A 2022 study found that Africa is facing a 50% rise in extreme weather events compared to the previous decade. These statistics highlight the urgency of community-driven climate action.
The outcomes from this conference will contribute to discussions at the upcoming COP32 summit, aiming to improve climate action across Africa. The voices of communities and children must be central to these discussions to ensure a sustainable future for all.
By sharing experiences and practical solutions, communities can lead us toward the resilience needed to combat climate change.
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African Regional Conference on Loss and Damage,civil society,Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC),climate action,Gift Numeri
