Strong institutions needed to help Africa navigate climate change, says Ambassador Di-Aping

Abstract

Africa needs stronger climate institutions if the continent is to successfully combat climate change, says former Group of 77 and China Chairman, Ambassador Lumumba Di-Aping of South Sudan. In a keynote presentation to experts attending the second African Climate talks in Addis Ababa, Ambassador Di-Aping said; “We must recognize that without strong measures, the strong action required to combat climate change will not be taken, with Africa bearing the losses and damage”. Some of the key issues being discussed in the talks include the causes and solutions to the climate crisis with participants asking if the Paris Accord is an adequate framework to address the climate crisis. Climate change impacts on development in Africa is also being discussed with participants agreeing on the need for a more effective framework from 2025 onwards, one that is consistent with Africa’s survival and prosperity: “We must recognize that the current Paris architecture is fundamentally flawed, inadequate and will remain and serves as the new and main basis for multilateral cooperation during the first period of commitments -2020- 2025-2030,” said Ambassador Di-Aping. The meeting was organized by the African Climate Policy Centre (ACPC) of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Center for Environmental Science of the University of Addis Ababa.