At the World Leaders Climate Action Summit (WLCAS) in Baku, Azerbaijan, African leaders issued a firm call for Western nations to deliver on their climate funding promises, emphasizing that without these resources, meeting global climate targets will remain out of reach.
Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo highlighted the proactive measures his nation has already taken, including the planting of 50 million trees and the restoration of 721,000 hectares of forest land since 2017. He stated that while Ghana aims to reduce emissions by 64 million metric tonnes by 2030, achieving this will require significant investment, estimated between $10-15 billion. Despite these financial hurdles, Ghana remains committed to advancing its climate agenda across critical sectors such as agriculture, transport, and energy.
Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa shared the impact of climate change on his country, specifically droughts exacerbated by El Niño patterns. “Zimbabwe bears the scars of climate change,” he remarked, noting that the current drought has reached devastating levels, leading the government to declare a national disaster.
Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbe underscored the concept of “climate justice,” emphasizing that while Africa contributes minimally to global emissions, it faces severe consequences. “Our food security and ecosystems are paying the price for a crisis we did little to cause,” Gnassingbe stated, urging world leaders to move beyond pledges to meaningful actions.
Similarly, Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo highlighted the urgent need for collaborative action, stressing that accessible and equitable climate financing is essential for building resilience in developing nations. Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso also emphasized that climate financing goals must be rooted in science and should reflect the specific needs of developing countries.
Amid calls for concrete support, African leaders collectively stressed that genuine progress against climate change will require the West to stand by its funding commitments, bridging the gap between promises and action in the face of shared global challenges.
BY: MOSES DESIRE KOUYO
