[PHOTOS]: Africa needs over $3 trillion to mitigate climate change

African countries need at least $2.7 trillion for mitigation measures and another $488 billion for adaptation to climatic change to be met in 2030, according to the estimates from Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) for adaptation to climate change. Speaking during the Africa Carbon Forum in Kigali, yesterday, Yasser El-Gammal, the World Bank country manager, said the amount is based on countries that have already declared their INDCs, adding that there are few others yet to submit. According to the World Bank, under current estimates, Africa requires $5 to $10 billion per year to adapt to global warming. Mohamed Benyahia director of partnership, communication and cooperation-Morocco gives his key note address at the meeting in Kigali. The World Bank and the United Nations Environment Programme estimate that the cost of managing climate resilience will continue to rise to $20 billion to $50 billion by mid-century, and closer to $100 billion in the event of a 4°C warming. This scenario illustrates how global warming poses huge effects to life. El-Gammal noted that the Bank has committed to mobilise about $90 billion for adaptation programmes to global warming by 2020 (for worldwide use). Under the Paris Agreement adopted at last year’s Climate Conference dubbed COP21, governments agreed a long-term goal of keeping the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels to reduce risks and the impacts of climate change. Erica Barks-Ruggles, US.Ambassador to Rwanda listens to a question from the audience. El-Gammal said the money will be spent on five main areas of focus, including smart energy use, water and food security, and looking up technologies through which to scale up local energy resources such as solar energy, a project he said is now taking place in Rwanda. Others are resilient cities and sustainable development. Using national devt plan strategy Anthony Nyong, division manager of Environment and Social Protection at the African Development Bank, said the continent should include climate adaptation funding options into national development plans for them to be successful. “Let us look at climate finance as a pillar of development. Through INDCs, African countries should develop a strategy that can help them mobilise locally a quarter of the required climate action,” Nyong said. Anthony Nyong, Division Manager, Environmental and Social Protection at AfDB speaks during the meeting in Kigali. He said AfDB has set up a mechanism to provide member countries with expertise to be able to negotiate with the private sector to reach good deal for climate finance. Closing the African Carbon Forum, yesterday, the Minister for Natural Resources, Dr Vincent Biruta, said: “We can only overcome our challenges if we support one another and collaborate. I encourage all governments to find ways to work together, either by sharing financial resources, through technology transfer or exchanging know-how.” “We still have much to learn and a long way to go, but I am sure the sessions on climate finance here at the Africa Carbon Forum will accelerate the implementation of national climate action plans,” he added. Mahama Ayariga, the Ghanaian minister for environment, science, technology and innovation, said climate aspects should always be considered in all developmental activities and government budgets. Participants follow proceedings during the meeting in Kigali. (Photos by Timothy Kisambira) “If you are constructing a road, it has to to be done in a way that helps in adaptation to climate change. We have to consider environmental concerns in all development projects we undertake,” he said. Effects of climate change Ephraim Kamuntu, Ugandan minister for tourism, wildlife and antiquities, said that, in 2010 in Bududa, eastern Uganda, a landslide triggered by heavy rain “buried 300 people alive,” saying it was impact of climate change.In western Uganda, there was a big ice cup, he said, but it has been melting. Kamuntu said a recent study conducted on the impact of climate change on Uganda’s economy numerically concluded that, in four years, it will cost Uganda $460 million. “But Uganda contributes only 0.009 of total global house gas emissions,” he noted. The World Bank has estimated that some 100 million people will suffer worldwide, with 43 million of them in Africa, being stricken by hunger by 2030 if no relevant actions are taken to tackle climate change. The Africa Carbon Forum 2016 in Kigali has been considered as a bridge between the Paris Agreement and the 22nd session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, slated for November 7-18. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

News

[PHOTOS]: Africa needs over $3 trillion to mitigate climate change