COP27: Africa needs world's money to fight climate change

Vegan activists carry placards as they demonstrate at the entrance of the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre, in Egypt's Red Sea resort of the same name, on November 6, 2022, during the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly known as COP27. - Diplomats from nearly 200 countries gathering in the Red Sea resort for the November 6-18 conference are tasked with greening the global economy and helping poor, climate-vulnerable nations who have barely contributed to the problem cope with evermore deadly storms, heatwaves, droughts and floods. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP)

African leaders are seeking global financial and technical support to address climate change in the continent.

The appeal is being made at the ongoing 27th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change summit in Egypt.

Joined by world leaders, the African Head of States are making the case for unlocking financing to help Africa deal with the climate crisis.

East Africa is among countries seeking support to address biting famine and impact of floods.

In Kenya, four consecutive seasons of insufficient rainfall have created the driest conditions since the early 1980s. Rivers and wells have dried up, pastures have turned to dust, causing the death of more than 1.5 million head of livestock.

In South Sudan, the situation has deteriorated in recent months with more people being impacted by an unprecedented fourth consecutive year of large-scale flooding, destroying homes, crops, and leading to a spike in malaria and snakebites, particularly among women and children, according to Save the Children International.

Africa requires $41 billion annually to deal with devastations linked to planetary warming.

The 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference presents an opportunity to bridge the funding gap that has derailed Africa’s transition to a green and resilient future.

According to the Akinwumi Adesina, the African Development Bank Group President, the funds are necessary to support climate adaptation in key sectors of the economy including agriculture, energy, water, health, and forestry.

Africa emits little global gas, but it is reeling from a host of climate emergencies, posing existential threats to ecosystems and livelihoods.

Experts told Xinhua News Agency that the fragility of food systems, water resources, human health, and economies has worsened against a backdrop of droughts, forest fires, heatwaves, and cyclones over vast parts of Africa.

The Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change summit will end on November 18, 2022.