COP29: 'Do more' UN Chief calls for stronger climate action
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
Guterres' appeal aligns with calls from developing countries, who seek a fair financial framework that holds major polluters accountable and ensures compensation for nations most impacted by the climate crisis.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on global leaders at the UN Climate Change Summit, COP29, to intensify their climate actions, rooting for the urgent need for stronger national commitments to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Guterres' appeal aligns with calls from developing countries, who seek a fair financial framework that holds major polluters accountable and ensures compensation for nations most impacted by the climate crisis.
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In his address on Tuesday, Guterres reminded leaders that achieving the 1.5°C target requires a 9 per cent annual cut in global emissions, urging every country to create robust climate action plans.
"My message to global leaders at COP29 is that you must do more to protect your people from the ravages of the climate crisis. Ultimately, only you can deliver on national climate ambition and action. Only you can limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C," he stated.
With over 100 nations gathered in Baku, the summit's focus includes raising billions to fund clean energy transitions and mitigate carbon emission damage.
African leaders, including Kenya's delegation, have voiced concerns over limited climate finance, with a demand for $1.3 trillion in annual adaptation funds by 2030.
Speaking from Azerbaijan, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, representing President William Ruto, pointed out the need for financial frameworks that are "accessible, effective, and equitable."
Kenya has been a vocal advocate for climate justice, pushing for major polluters to contribute more towards funding adaptation and resilience efforts for developing nations.
This stance was reinforced by Mudavadi, who highlighted Kenya's demand for reforms that prioritise fair compensation for those most affected by climate change.
Africa's leaders also highlighted the disproportionate climate burdens their nations face, advocating for decarbonising the global economy to foster equality and shared prosperity.
At the recent Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, African nations urged developed countries to lower carbon emissions and proposed mechanisms to restructure Africa's debt, thereby unlocking climate funding.
Kenya's government, prioritising climate adaptation, has introduced strategies to aid vulnerable communities in coping with erratic weather that threatens agriculture, water resources, and economic stability.
President Ruto's administration has positioned sustainability at the core of its agenda, aligning with the goals of COP29 to push for impactful climate action globally.
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