Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, said that Africa remains the most vulnerable to climatic calamities.
At the ongoing African Economic Meeting (AEC) conference, Kumar said that there was a need for adaptation strategies to address the “looming climate change threat to the continent.
The pan-African economic meeting is being held under the theme “supporting climate-smart development in Africa.” It brings together various stakeholders – policymakers, climate experts, the private sector, researchers, and youth – to discuss and draft an action plan to support the low-carbon and climate-resilient development of Africa.
He also spoke about the spike in oil prices brought on by Russia’s conflict in Ukraine should increase Africa’s need to move away from fossil fuels and achieve self-sufficiency in power generation.
“In order to face the challenges of climate change more effectively Africa needs the support and assistance of development partners,” he said.
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Also speaking at the conference, Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank, stressed the need for Africa’s adaptation to climate change in a speech that was read by acting chief economist and vice president Prof. Kevin Urama.
“Africa is suffering from the devastating effects of climate change, from droughts, floods, irregular rainfall, locusts, and armyworms. Supporting climate-smart, environmentally friendly development is one step in the right direction,” he said.
According to estimates, climate change costs Africa’s GDP $7–15 billion a year, which is expected to increase to $45–50 billion annually by 2040.
In order to hasten the construction of green infrastructure in Africa, the African Development Bank and its allies established the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa during COP27.
In her remarks, Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at the United Nations Development Programme emphasized the need for Africa to take a climate-smart approach to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
“In 2022, we have seen a climate emergency hitting with increasing intensity. At the same time, climate-change-induced drought is precipitating hunger and even famine in regions such as the Horn of Africa,” she added. “Protecting the planet cannot be an option, it is an urgent priority.”
Ahunna informed the audience about a recent collaboration between the Rocky Mountain Institute, the African Development Bank, the Global Environment Facility, and the United Nations Development Program (RMI). Together, they will aid the development of new solar battery mini-grid markets in 21 African nations.
Story was adapted from ESI Africa.
