Egypt’s Environment Minister Urges Urgent Action Against Desertification and Boosting Climate Resilience in Africa

Egypt’s Environment Minister, Yasmine Fouad, recently sounded the alarm about climate change and desertification threatening Africa’s stability. She emphasized the need for countries to work together and invest in sustainable practices.

Speaking to Egypt’s House of Representatives, she detailed the national and continental efforts to combat these urgent issues. Her appointment as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) highlights Egypt’s commitment to supporting Africa against land degradation. Surprisingly, 45% of the continent is currently affected by desertification.

Fouad shared Egypt’s achievements in the 2050 National Climate Strategy, demonstrating notable reductions in emissions in sectors like power and transport from 2018 to 2022. The country is also working on coastal projects, including 80 kilometers of nature-based seawalls to protect cities in the Nile Delta from rising sea levels.

Desertification isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s becoming a political and socioeconomic one. She called for integrating three key international agreements that focus on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification. A presidential initiative aims to promote solutions that benefit both ecosystems and local communities.

On the topic of funding, Fouad discussed the Loss and Damage Fund launched during COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh. Egypt is readying projects to secure financing and formed technical teams to assess climate-related damages. They are developing tools like an interactive climate risk map and a national plan for extreme weather.

She also stressed Egypt’s role in securing climate finance for food security in North and East Africa. The interconnectedness of food, energy, and water security is vital for a climate-resilient future.

Additionally, recent legislative changes include incentives for producing alternatives to plastics and policies to reduce single-use plastic waste.

Fouad wrapped up by affirming Egypt’s growing influence in climate discussions, mentioning its preparations to host the upcoming Barcelona Convention, which focuses on the Mediterranean marine environment. Egypt’s domestic efforts are increasingly seen as a model for other developing nations.

Recent surveys show that 70% of Africans are concerned about climate change, indicating that the issue is resonating widely. The call for action is not just a political one—it’s a pressing demand from communities who feel the impacts daily.

For more on climate initiatives, you can visit UNCCD’s official site for up-to-date information and resources.

Source link

climate,Egypt,environment,Yasmine Fouad