Shared African best practices key to tackling climate change, Wetangula says

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula during a consultative Meeting with the European Union Parliamentary committee on development. [PCS]

Africa's response to climate change can only succeed and will be best implemented if all countries on the continent adopt a legal and policy framework that transcends borders and advances the cause of sustainability, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula has said.

According to Wetang'ula, implementing the African Model Law on Climate Change holds the potential to harmonise climate policies across the continent, providing a common foundation upon which African countries can build transformative change.

In a speech delivered to the African Parliamentary Dialogue being held on the sidelines of the African Climate Summit that starts in Nairobi on Monday, he said by creating uniform standards for climate action, African countries can streamline efforts, share best practices, and amplify our impact.

"The decisions we make, the ideas we share, and the collaborations we foster over the course of this dialogue will resonate far beyond these walls. Our conversations will contribute to the transformation of Africa's response to climate change, setting the stage for innovative solutions and inspiring leadership. As we discuss climate policy, we must also emphasize the principle of equity," said Wetangula.

The Speaker said African nations have diverse circumstances, capacities, and vulnerabilities, and its policies must reflect these diversities.

Wetang'ula said the dialogue brought them together by a common purpose - to harness the power of collective action in the face of an issue that transcends national borders and affects us all.

"The Africa Climate Summit is not just a conference; it is a testament to our continent's determination to forge a sustainable path forward, protect our environment, and secure the well-being of our people," he said.

He also noted the urgency of climate action cannot be overstated as climate change is not just an environmental issue; it's a human issue, an economic issue, and a social issue.

"The impacts of climate change - from extreme weather events to sea-level rise - pose real threats to our livelihoods, our economies, and our very way of life. Climate policy is not an option; it's an imperative," he added.

However, he noted that through robust climate policy, there is an opportunity to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create a more resilient and sustainable future for the continent's people.

"Climate policy is about envisioning a world where our children and grandchildren can thrive, free from the shackles of a changing climate," he added.

He noted that the African Union Agenda 2063 Vision I envisages a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development, an Africa that speaks with a unity of purpose in advancing its position and interests on climate change and participates in global efforts for climate change mitigation that broaden the policy space for sustainable development in the continent.

"Article 11 (1) of the PAP Protocol empowers the Pan-African Parliament to make recommendations and formulate regulations on any matter relating to the African Union Member States and their organs and institutions," said Wetang'ula.

He said their dedication, wisdom, and collaborative spirit have resulted in a momentous achievement - the passing of resolutions to create a comprehensive climate policy for Africa and the establishment of a model law on climate change for our continent.

Wetangula said the creation of a climate policy tailored to Africa's unique circumstances and the establishment of a model law on climate change sends a resounding message to the world - that Africa is committed to taking ownership of its environmental destiny and driving solutions that are just, equitable, and impactful.

"Climate change does not discriminate; it affects all of us. Yet, its impacts disproportionately burden those who have contributed the least to its causes. Equity means that those who have the capacity to do more must shoulder the burden of responsibility for the sake of those who have less," he further noted.

Wetang'ula added that Africa, with its rich diversity and abundant resources, is home to a myriad of ecosystems and communities.

His sentiments were echoed by Dr Mithika Mwenda, the Executive Director of the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance who said Africa is the most vulnerable continent to the impacts of climate change, yet it contributes the least to global greenhouse gas emissions.

He termed it as a grave injustice that must be addressed by the international community and by African governments.

"We must ensure that Africa's voice is heard and respected in the global climate negotiations and secure adequate and predictable finance, technology and capacity-building support to implement our nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and adaptation plans. That is why the Africa climate summit, which opens on Monday, is an opportunity we cannot afford to waste," he said.

According to Dr Mwenda, the challenge for Africa in a climate-constrained world is cut out.

"We must ensure that our climate policies and actions are aligned with our development priorities and aspirations, as articulated in Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. We must pursue low-carbon development pathways that enhance our energy, food, water, and health security while protecting our natural resources and biodiversity," he said.

Mwenda said communities especially women and youth must be empowered to participate in decision-making and implementing climate solutions at all levels," he said.