Ruto urges Africa to bolster efforts to tame climate change

At the sidelines of the 38th Ordinary Assembly of the African Union, while chairing a meeting of Heads of State and Government Committee (CAHOSCC), President Ruto maintained there is a need for Africa to amplify its voice, and position itself as a leader in global climate solutions.

He said that this initiative has been threatened by a plethora of policy changes in the global West, including cuts in aid and diminishing support for multilateral institutions which he believes will significantly Africa's productivity.

"The withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement and the rise of far-right leadership in key economies could prove a major obstacle to climate cooperation and financing," Ruto noted.

"A rise in protectionist and nationalist policies that threaten trade and investment flows, as well as escalating trade tariffs that impact Africa’s economic and environmental priorities."

He urged the continent to anchor its collaborations and opportunities presented in programs set up for combating climate change.

They include the Africa Climate Summit (ACS), the  International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), South Africa’s G20 Presidency, combined with the AU’s G20 membership, COP30 set to be held in Brazil, and the Baku-Belem Roadmap which presents an opportunity to secure $1.3 trillion (Ksh.167 trillion)necessary for funding climate action.