United States Climate envoy John Kerry has said that “acute and unfair debt” is impacting greatly on the climate crisis on the Africa continent.
“Of the 20 countries most affected by the climate crisis, he said, 17 are here in Africa. ”
According to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), Africa contributes just 3.8% to global greenhouse gas emissions. However, the continent has so far taken the brunt of the effects of the global warming crisis, according to many experts, and has experienced various climate-related disasters.
At least 4,000 people have been killed, and 19 million more have been affected by extreme weather events in Africa since the beginning of 2022, according to research published by Science Direct.
Brian Inganga/AP
Paul Kagame, center, President of the Republic of Rwanda, arrives at Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, Sept. 5, 2023, for the Africa Climate Summit.
Brian Inganga/AP
“20 countries produce 80% of all the emissions, mine is one of them,” said Kerry. “Twenty countries. And it is critical for all those 20 countries to immediately take steps to get on the path to the Paris agreement [to] keep 1.5 degrees alive.”
Kerry today announced the U.S. intends to provide an additional $30 million in food security and climate resilience efforts across the continent.
“I’m convinced that Africa can be at the heart of a renewable future,” said UN Chief Antonio Guterres. “From the Greater Horn of Africa, where over 85% of electricity generation comes from renewables, including massive hydropower projects in Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan. To wind and solar projects in Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. To Mozambique, which gets nearly 100% of its energy from green and sustainable sources.”
“Now is the time for all countries to stand as one in defense of our only home.”