During his visit to Lesotho, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged wealthy nations to meet their climate finance commitments. He emphasized the disproportionate impacts of climate change on Africa, despite its minimal contributions, and called for swift operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund to aid vulnerable countries. Guterres also advocated for permanent representation of Africa in the UN Security Council.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, during his visit to Lesotho, emphasized the necessity for affluent nations to fulfill their financial commitments aimed at supporting developing countries in combating climate change. Speaking before the Lesotho Parliament, he highlighted that although Africa contributes minimally to global emissions, it suffers disproportionately from climate-related adversities. Guterres underscored the urgency of delivering the promised $300 billion annually in climate finance and operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund, which is intended to assist nations facing climate-induced disasters.
In the context of escalating climate crises, poorer nations, particularly in Africa, face severe challenges exacerbated by climate change. The United Nations has recognized the need for developed countries to support these nations financially, particularly following the global commitment made during recent U.N. climate negotiations to contribute at least $300 billion per year. Africa, despite its minimal contribution to global warming, has been rendered significantly vulnerable, facing threats such as droughts and agricultural devastation, leading to a humanitarian crisis. Additionally, more substantial representation of Africa in global governance structures like the U.N. Security Council has been a point of contention, with calls for at least two permanent seats for African nations to rectify historical imbalances.
In summary, Secretary-General Guterres’s address during his visit to Lesotho brought critical attention to the climate finance gap and the urgent need for rich nations to uphold their commitments. He called for increased support for vulnerable nations affected by climate change and reinforced the idea of fair representation for Africa in global decision-making bodies, highlighting an ongoing struggle for justice and equity in regards to climate action and international governance.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
