Leading environmentalists have called on African states to ensure prudent utilisation of funds to address the adverse effects of climate change.
University of Nairobi dons Clifford Omondi and Ibrahim Oluoch said that African countries and indeed the global village can only succeed in the fight against the negative impacts of climate change if sufficient resources are channelled towards the fight.
Omondi decried that some African countries have diverted resources meant to address the impact of climate change to other programmes.
He asked African heads of state to use the ongoing climate summit in Nairobi to come up with financial solutions to the menace.
The heads of state in Africa should make commitments to prudently utilise funds for addressing climate change issues. This will motivate donors to commit their resources to the fight,” Omondi said.
Speaking to journalists in Homa Bay town on Sunday, Omondi also called for a policy framework that will guide various countries in tackling the negative effects of climate change.
The don argued that a good framework would enable the African countries to fight from a common point of view and achieve their goals.
“We understand that different countries have different policies, but it would be prudent to have a common guideline. Most African countries have similar climatic conditions,” he added.
The African Climate Change Summit is being held in Nairobi from September 4–6 under the theme, Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the Globe.
Leaders at the summit are expected to explore ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Omondi noted that discussions will also be based on specific themes, such as energy systems and industry, cities, urban and rural settlements, infrastructure and transport, land, ocean, food, and water, societies, health livelihoods, and economies.
The summit will be attended by African heads of state, environmental experts, international organisations, and civil society.
Omondi said African leaders will be called upon to make ambitious pledges and commitments towards the adoption of a ‘Pledging and Commitment Framework.
Some of the effects of climate change include storms, wildfires, floods, cyclones, and droughts.
Climate change is linked to unpredictable weather patterns, which interfere with crop production.
“There’s a need to have a permanent solution to displacements caused by floods. Addressing the issues will spur economic growth,” added Omondi.
By Davis Langat
