The African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) has challenged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to invest in research for evidence-based positions on climate.
Speaking during a meeting with African CSOs at the on-going UN Climate Change Subsidiary Bodies (SB60), in Bonn, Germany, AGN Chair, Ali Daoud Mohamed said it was important for Africa to argue its case from an informed perspective.
“Let’s generate a formidable base of evidence so that our arguments in these processes is well informed and clear,” he said. “I therefore challenge you to invest in research to build on available evidence-base on Africa’s vulnerability and disproportionate impacts of climate change,” added ambassador Mohamed, as he proposed a multifaceted approach to climate impacts on various sectors in Africa.
“I am aware of the climate and health agenda as the WHO passed a resolution last week. This is a welcome move amid visible impacts of climate on health. The impacts on infrastructure, water and all other sectors is, ultimately on human health. For us, health is one of the thematic targets of the Global Goal on Adaptation and we are ready as a group to engage further on the matter,” said Ambassador Mohamed in response to Amref Health Africa Director for Population Health and Environment, Dr. Martin Muchangi, who stated that “the visible impacts highlight that health is the human face of climate change.”
Meanwhile, the AGN Chair has reiterated that Africa’s main agenda at SB60 is climate finance.
“The big debate in Bonn is on finance. We cannot lose sight of the New Quantified Goal on Finance (NCQG), which is being discussed here,” said Ambassador Mohamed. “The reality of most African countries is debt stress. A number of countries have defaulted on their debt obligations because the fiscal space is shrinking. Africa pays more for debt than any other region. Therefore, as CSOs, don’t be destructed in fighting against the unfair global financial system.”
And the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) Executive Director, Mithika Mwenda congratulated the Chair on his election and pledged PACJA’s support during his tenure.
“As CSOs, we are ready to work with you on all fronts defending African interests. Challenges could be many but we have the trust in you to steer the continent to greater heights in this process,” said Mwenda.
