BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - AS countries, the world over, are feeling the adverse effects of Climate Change, especially during Summer, the United Nations Secretary-General (SG), Antonio Gutterres, is in Africa lobbying for an equitable transition to renewable energy.
Africa accounts for just about four percent of the global greenhouse emissions but is also facing the debilitating effects of Climate Change.
In his address to the media at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Gutterres noted that the continent is suffering from “some of the worst effects of climate change”.
“Today, I renewed my call for the world to step up climate action to avoid the worst effects of Climate Change, keep global promises to provide essential support, and help Africa make a just and equitable transition to renewable energy,” said the SG.
Historically, July was the hottest month ever recorded across the globe, and the Secretary General believes Africa could be a renewable energy superpower.
“Now is the time to bring together African countries with developed countries, financial institutions and technological companies to create a true African Renewable Energy Alliance.” he added.
But in order for Africa to be successful, it first requires “addressing another injustice: an outdated, unfair and dysfunctional global financial system”.
Like many Small Island Developing States (SIDS), African countries pay “four times more for borrowing than the United States”. And according to Gutterres, it is eight times more than the wealthiest European country.
“Turbocharging a just and equitable green transition - while supporting development more broadly across Africa - requires a dramatic course correction.
“This means ensuring an effective debt-relief mechanism that supports payment suspensions, longer lending terms, and lower rates.
“It means re-capitalizing and changing the business model of Multilateral Development Banks so they can massively leverage private finance at affordable rates to help developing countries build truly sustainable economies,” noted Gutterres.
In his call for greater equality, Gutterres noted that global institutions need to step up, guarantee African representation, and respond to African needs and African potential.
“From international financial institutions, to the Security Council of the United Nations, where Africa lacks a permanent seat.
“That is why across my upcoming meetings - including the ASEAN meeting in Indonesia this week, followed by the G20 meeting in India and the G77 in Cuba - I will continue advocating for deep reforms to make these institutions more responsive to the needs of developing countries and in particular Africa,” the SG said.
“It’s time to end the injustices that are holding Africa back,” he added.
The SG pledged to work closely with African leaders and organizations like the African Union “to make progress towards the peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future that Africa needs and deserves”.
