Tinaye Agere
Zimpapers Politics Hub
DEVELOPED countries must fulfil their financial obligations under the Paris Agreement to support developing nations in mitigating and adapting to climate change which the rich nations have caused through rapid industrialisation, a climate advocate has said.
The world gather in Baku, Azerbaijan for this year’s COP29 held under the theme ‘In Solidarity for a Green World’ running from 11 to 22 November.
Part of the agenda is to look at the financing of the developing countries who are at the frontline of climate change.
In an interview from Azerbaijan where he is attending the conference, the National Coordinator of Climate Action Network Zimbabwe, Mr Wellington Madumira said COP29 should prioritise human rights, equitable climate finance, and a genuine transition away from fossil fuels, while ensuring that the voices of marginalised groups, particularly women and indigenous people, are heard and respected.
“There is the urgent need for a new and ambitious climate finance goal. The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) should be seen as a critical opportunity for developed nations to demonstrate their commitment to climate justice,” Mr Madumira said
“NCQG should address adaptation, mitigation and loss and damage. As CSOs we are calling for a clear commitment to phase out fossil fuels, arguing that reliance on fossil fuels is incompatible with achieving climate justice. We are particularly concerned about the promotion of carbon markets and offsets, which I view as false solutions that could distract from necessary actions to reduce emissions.”
He said developed countries should support just energy transitions in developing countries for sustainable development.
“We also call for gender equality to be at the forefront of climate negotiations. Women’s rights and leadership are essential for effective climate action, particularly for marginalised communities who are disproportionately affected by climate change. We do reject unproven geoengineering technologies and to ensure that any discussions around such technologies are framed within existing human rights obligations,” he said
“We advocate for a human rights-based approach to climate action that prioritises the needs and voices of indigenous people and local communities. There is need for the conference to address human rights violations and the importance of protecting environmental defenders.” – ZimpapersPoliticsHub
Online Reporter