African Leaders Call for Bold Unity and Action to Combat the Climate Crisis

African leaders and environmental experts are urging stronger unity and quicker action to tackle climate change. They emphasize that current efforts are not enough to prevent serious environmental damage.

At the recent 20th Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment in Nairobi, Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s prime cabinet secretary, pointed out the urgent need for action. He warned that without it, many areas could become wastelands. He noted that rising environmental challenges threaten not just the ecosystem but also the fight against poverty in Africa.

With global temperatures surpassing 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels in 2024, Mudavadi highlighted an alarming trend. He mentioned a UN estimate that nearly one million species are at risk of extinction if unsustainable practices continue. This threatens goals for biodiversity set for 2030. Additionally, he noted the staggering amount of plastic waste—7 billion metric tons—that is already polluting the environment, with the world generating about 430 million metric tons of plastic every year.

“If we don’t act quickly,” Mudavadi said, “declining ecosystems will worsen issues like water scarcity and food insecurity.” He believes the conference should shape Africa’s strategies for facing these challenges effectively.

Ibrahim Thiaw, from the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, shared that Africa has lost up to 60% of its arable land in the last 70 years. He pointed out that, although rich in renewable energy resources, Africa only attracts a tiny fraction—less than 3%—of global investment in this sector. “This has to change,” he said, stressing the need for Africa to gain better access to climate finance.

Deborah Barasa, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for the environment, stated that recent disasters in Africa, including floods, droughts, and disease outbreaks, are not just warnings—they are current crises. She mentioned challenges like funding shortages and conflicts over natural resources. “We need to build a stronger response system to turn decisions into real actions,” she said.

Moses Vilakati, an agricultural commissioner, echoed this sentiment. “The time for talking is over. We need to act now,” he urged. He called for renewed collective efforts to implement frameworks addressing climate change and to build resilient economies. “Let’s join forces to ensure a sustainable future for all Africans,” he added.

According to a recent report from the Global Environment Facility, about 60% of Africa’s land is at risk of degradation, seriously affecting agriculture and livelihoods. If countries start collaborating more effectively, experts believe they can improve their responses to these pressing issues.

In summary, the African Ministerial Conference highlighted the dire climate challenges facing the continent. Leaders are calling for urgent action, investment in green technologies, and a united front to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

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