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The Pan African Business Forum has urged the heaviest carbon emitters, such as China and the United States of America, to develop a moral obligation aimed at assisting African nations, particularly those in rural areas, in mitigating the impact of climate change.
The group is alarmed that despite its minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, the African continent suffers the most severe effects of climate change on its economies.
“Failure to reduce global warming affects all countries on the globe, but African countries, being the most vulnerable, will be impacted the most,” said Chairman of the forum, Dr. Ladislav Prosper Agbesi during a presentation at a stakeholders’ platform in France. He added that high levels of poverty, dependence on rainfall for agricultural production, weak or missing infrastructure, and a lack of social safety nets worsen an already dire situation.
Dr. Agbesi also emphasized that while the responsibility to address these problems lies with African governments, climate justice demands international cooperation to tackle this existential threat. He stated that African governments, in partnership with the international community, should commit to sustained action to mitigate the impact of climate change, particularly its effects on the most vulnerable within their countries.
The Pan African Business Forum highlights that while investments in adaptation would benefit communities, some African governments may struggle to afford them.
“It is essential that they receive adequate support in accessing international finance through bilateral and multilateral sources such as the Green Climate Fund, mobilize domestic public and private sources, explore opportunities from additional private sector sources, and innovate financial mechanisms. African governments, together with technical and financial partners, need to actively promote renewable energy and energy efficiency through investment incentives for the development of low-carbon economies,” noted Dr. Agbesi.
