adminAS the world heads for the watershed climate talks in Paris next year, Environment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere wants to see stronger action from rich countries to help control unprecedented climate damage in Africa.
“Developed countries need to make bold decisions and firm commitments this time around,” Mr Kasukuwere told a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland last week, making submissions to the Africa Progress Report 2015 (APR).
“The principle of differentiated responsibilities is still binding to us all and should be one of the guiding principles in shaping the post-Kyoto Protocol. Negotiations for a global climate commitment and agreement cannot last forever. 2015 should herald the implementation of agreed and concrete plans.”
Paris will be a sun “riser” or a sun “setter” in the course that global action will follow in mitigating existing and future climate impacts.
At Paris, a new, legally binding deal is expected to be ratified to replace the Kyoto Protocol that expired in 2012 with many failures, blamed on the West’s half-hearted commitment.
Now, Mr Kasukuwere wants the next Africa Progress Report to show greater resolve in highlighting what it is Africa expects from industrialised states in tackling climate change.
He said after many years of negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, “there was nothing to show for it.” Due to bad faith and lack of political leadership and accountability.
In the mean time, climate impacts continue to bite hard, particularly in Africa, where adaptive capacity is low owing to widespread poverty and various competing socio-economic needs.
“The Report should call for development strategies that result in win-win situations, such as increasing household incomes but building resilience at local and individual levels to climate shifts,” said Mr Kasukuwere.
“These mitigating actions, like constructing sea walls to protect against sea level rise, respond directly to climate change.”
The APR has been produced since 2009 by the ten-member Africa Progress Panel, chaired by former UN secretary general Kofi Annan.
It “advocates at the higher levels for equitable and sustainable development” on the continent.
The panel focuses on complex and high impact issues such global governance, read and security, climate change, food security, sustainable economic developmet and the Millenium Development Goals.
Through the Report, attention is drawn to specific issues impeding Africa’s growth. Its main findings and recommendations are presented to global meetings such as the UN Security Council and has been used by policymakers as a basis for action.
Some of the panel members include Zimbabwen businessman Strive Masiyiwa and former Mozambiquan and South African first lady, Graca Machel.
Minister Kasukewere said contrary to the current pressure from industrialised for African countries to commit, they should instead receive adaptation funding and technology transfer.
He said two thirds of African countries were listed by the UN as poor, already incapacitated with tackling existing social and economic needs.
Online Reporter