Nairobi - African Union Commissioner Josefa Sacko on Monday in Nairobi, Kenya, mentioned climate change as a "pandemic" and a stress that is plaguing the continent and an African economy.
These climatic events, according to the Commissioner, have caused African governments to abandon development processes and focus their resources on responding to disasters and building resilience.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the plenary session of the ministerial segment of the African Climate Summit, she pointed out that many African governments use about two per cent of their funds to invest in climate disasters and adaptation projects on the continent.
Josefa Sacko, who is responsible for agriculture, rural development, the blue economy and the environment in the African Union, also said that climate change is also causing economic losses of around five per cent of the continent's annual gross domestic product (GDP).
"The costs of climate change in Africa are very high," she said.
Addressing the African and foreign representatives, the commissioner spoke of the pledge of 100 billion US dollars made by the developed countries, whose Paris Agreement expires after five years.
She also said that the Summit's main objective is to boost joint efforts on climate change and sustainability.
"Together we intend to elevate the discourse around climate change and garner support for a financial architecture that is specifically tailored to Africa, while also keeping in mind the resilience and survival of the continent's abundant resources as it accelerates the transition to a climate-resilient economy," she emphasised.
The event's agenda includes discussion, among others, of issues related to the expansion of high-impact climate finance in Africa, within the framework of carbon markets for the Southern Hemisphere, investment opportunities for the transformation of the continent's food systems, taking into account the continent's potential as a cradle in terms of minerals, production and trade.
According to the agenda, the ministers will also address the acceleration of investments in the climate-resilient water sector, an issue that could lead to investment pacts for climate adaptation.
The early warning system in the context of climate, peace, security and mobility is also on the agenda for this day's ministerial plenary.
The Interaction diagnosis with youth in Africa is also on the agenda of priorities.
Under the slogan "Driving green growth and climate finance solutions for Africa and the world", the Forum will also focus on presenting innovative green growth and climate finance solutions in Africa and the world.
Representatives from African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and World Bank (WB), regional and global partners of this Summit respectively, are joining the group. NE/VM/DAN/NIC
