CS Duale demands $1.3 trillion climate fund for Africa at COP29

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called for urgent action to address climate change and secure crucial financial support for vulnerable nations.

Speaking to journalists at the ongoing COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan on Tuesday, Duale highlighted Africa's demand for a new climate financing mechanism worth $1.3 trillion, which he described as the "irreducible minimum" for the continent.

The target seeks to hold polluting nations accountable for the devastating climate impacts faced by vulnerable regions, particularly in Africa, which suffers the worst effects of climate change despite contributing minimally to global emissions.

CS Duale stressed that the $1.3 trillion fund is needed to support the victims of climate disasters, adding that it should come in the form of grants, not loans.

"We are bringing in as Africa a new climate financing mechanism of $1.3 trillion, which we want polluters to pay for the victims of climate effects," he stated.

Kenya, already facing severe consequences of climate change, serves as a powerful example of why such funding is critical.

In the last five years, droughts have ravaged 5 per cent of the country's GDP, while floods and landslides have led to over 400 fatalities, including 42 in Nairobi alone.

The impact on infrastructure and the economy has been devastating, further underscoring the urgency of the climate finance discussions.

At COP29, Kenya is also advocating for broader climate adaptation and mitigation strategies to help African nations build resilience.

CS Duale noted that the country is committed to green energy and sustainable development, and Kenya is eager to establish partnerships for tackling shared environmental challenges.

"Kenya is set to champion impactful climate adaptation and mitigation measures for Africa at COP29," he said, noting that the country's sustainability efforts align with President William Ruto's national agenda.

Going further, Duale also reiterated Kenya's call for accessible climate finance for developing nations, which should not only address immediate climate risks but also foster long-term resilience.

This approach ties into Kenya's broader goals of sustainable development, with an emphasis on climate adaptation, clean energy, and equitable access to resources.

As COP29 discussions unfold, Kenya's delegation, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Duale, is also advocating for financial reforms to ensure developing nations receive the support they need.

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These reforms would ensure that vulnerable countries are not left behind in the global effort to combat climate change.

With over 70,000 delegates in attendance, including heads of state and government, COP29 has already seen significant progress.

The summit, which runs from November 11-22, witnessed a breakthrough agreement on carbon credit standards, which is seen as a critical step toward improving international climate action.

COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev has called the agreement a "game-changing tool" to channel resources to developing nations, marking a pivotal moment in global climate negotiations.