By Jemimah Chungu
The global environment has faced some of the worst climate crisis experiences, prompting individuals, firms, groups, and the political environment to pin their hopes on COP28 in Dubai to mitigate ongoing impacts and environmental injustice.
Global leaders attending COP28 in Dubai have called for robust financing in Africa to address the impacts of climate change and enhance resilience. The adaptation finance summit for Africa, held at the beginning of the UNFCCC, saw key political figures, including Comoros President and African Union Chairman Azali Assoumani, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Senegalese President Macky Sall, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, African Development Bank Group President Dr Akinwumi Adesina, and philanthropist Bill Gates, advocating for a finance flow of 39% for climate change adaptation in Africa.
Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, announced the launch of a Climate Action Window to mobilize up to $14 billion for adaptation in 37 low-income countries. He urged donors and investors to join the initiative to deliver climate-resilient agricultural technologies, weather insurance, land rehabilitation, water, sanitation, health services, and renewable energy in Africa.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania announced partnerships under the African Adaptation Acceleration Program, mobilizing $700 million in green bonds issued by Tanzanian commercial banks for climate adaptation. President Macky Sall of Senegal proposed exploring financing green projects, including adaptation, using resources initially earmarked for debt repayments.
Responding to the African climate crisis, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, and Bill Gates expressed unity and urgency in tackling the climate crisis and its social, economic, and environmental implications.
COP28, the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, held from November 30 to December 12, 2023, at Expo City, Dubai, is headed by President Sultan Al Jaber.
