Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has said that the time has come for nations to act swiftly to ensure that climate action remains at the top of the international agenda and that the current situation is not taken as a pretext to backtrack or renege on previous commitments.
Shoukry spoke at the 12th Petersberg Climate Change conference which started on Monday in Berlin and highlighted the importance of staying focused on climate issues.
The North African county is set to host the United Nations Climate Conference (COP27) in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, in 2022 after it was rescheduled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Organizers have already described the two-day gathering as an opportunity to rebuild trust between rich and poor nations.
“It is incumbent upon us in these uncertain times too,” he said.
His comments come after global issues including the protracted conflict in Ukraine and recovery from COVID-19 have drawn attention away from climate issues.
Speaking to the media before the conference, German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbockcalled for a global resolve to tackle climate change problems.
“The climate crisis does not stop at any border. That is why the answers must not stop at any border either,” she said. “We must intensify our joint efforts.”
Story was adapted from africanews.
