Statement by Mr. Carlos Lopes UN Uunder- Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA : at the third annual conference on climate change and development in Africa (CCDA-III) -can climate change spring Africa’s transformative development

Abstract

Statement by Mr. Carlos Lopes UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA at the Third Annual Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA-III) - Can Climate Change Spring Africa’s Transformative Development. We are all certainly expecting this conference to offer a unique opportunity and space to discuss important issues deriving from striking findings and unpredictable future. Warming across Africa is predicted at an alarming rate. We are becoming familiar with some of the effects of climate variability across the continent. The type of industrialization path Africa chooses will make a big difference. Africa possesses some of the best resource base for industrial production. As one of the most vulnerable continents to climate change, Africa’s growth momentum faces a fundamental risk. Africa is trapped in global negotiations on climate change which on the whole are largely driven by global and external interests. To enter the solution space, Africa must firm up its own views on how to put the continents interest first. Climate change offers Africa an array of incredible investment opportunities that can reap dividends.