In Lesotho, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged wealthy nations to meet their climate finance promises for poorer countries, emphasizing Africa’s need for financial support amidst climate challenges. He highlighted the severe drought impacting Southern Africa and expressed hopes for African representation in the U.N. Security Council.
In a compelling address to the Parliament of Lesotho, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for wealthy nations to fulfill their commitments regarding climate finance to assist impoverished countries combating climate change. He articulated that while Africa contributes insignificantly to global warming, it suffers significantly from its severe impacts. Guterres reaffirmed the necessity of implementing the Loss and Damage Fund to equitably compensate vulnerable nations like Lesotho for the adverse effects of climate-related disasters.
During his visit, Guterres also highlighted the alarming consequences of the ongoing drought in Southern Africa, which has exacerbated a hunger crisis affecting over 27 million individuals due to declining agricultural productivity. The drought’s severity, exacerbated by both the El Niño phenomenon and climate change, reflects a broader pattern wherein African nations face escalating economic challenges attributed to climate impacts, with losses of up to 5% of their GDP annually. He expressed a strong desire for Africa to attain permanent representation in the U.N. Security Council, recognizing this as an issue of justice for a continent home to more than 1.4 billion residents.
The call for increased climate finance is particularly pertinent in the context of the recent U.N. climate discussions which concluded with a commitment to provide at least $300 billion annually to developing nations, such as those in Africa, to combat the consequences of a changing climate. Despite these commitments, the funding remains insufficient in light of the more than $1 trillion that these countries argue is necessary to adequately address and mitigate the ongoing impacts of climate change. Guterres’ visit to Lesotho occurs amid severe drought conditions that have prompted widespread food insecurity across the region, stressing the urgent need for meaningful support from developed nations.
In summary, Secretary-General António Guterres made a clarion call for developed countries to adhere to their climate finance promises, particularly in the context of the significant struggles faced by nations like Lesotho. The ongoing drought and hunger crisis underscore the pressing need for sustainable support for vulnerable countries. Guterres highlighted the inequities within global governance structures, advocating for greater African representation to reflect the continent’s critical role in global matters.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
