By Rebecca Chimjeka Matemba in Baku, Azerbaijan:
State Vice President Michael Usi has called on world leaders in Baku, Azerbaijan, to address unique climate change-related challenges that least developed countries (LDCs) are facing.
Speaking on behalf of Malawi and as the leading voice of 45 nations in the LDCs group, Usi called for immediate action from world leaders, saying this was key to addressing problems at hand.
“With many communities experiencing irreversible climate impacts, a dedicated loss and damage fund is urgently needed.
“This fund should be designed with flexibility to directly address the specific needs of the most affected nations and communities,” Usi said.
- Advertisement -
The Vice President also highlighted the need to enhance the actualisation of a New Collective Quantified Goal for climate finance, describing the move as essential.
He added that the goal should provide a clear definition of climate finance as well as mechanisms for predictability and accessibility, ensuring that LDCs have the financial support needed to respond to climate impacts effectively.
Usi also said transitioning to renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels was crucial, emphasising that collective efforts toward meeting clean energy goals would not only mitigate climate change effects but also bring sustainable development benefits to LDCs, thereby creating a more resilient future.
He also said adaptation measures were key to the survival of LDCs, which he said were often the most vulnerable to climate impacts.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
According to Usi, the urgency of implementing adaptation strategies must be recognised and prioritised to build resilience in communities.
He said such actions were in tandem with priorities established by the Global Stocktake and echo the critical need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to climate action.
On his part, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said the clean energy revolution had come to stay and that no group, business and government could stop it.
He said this was the only fair and fast way to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
“CoP [Conference of the Parties] 29 must teardown the walls to climate finance. Developing countries must not leave Baku empty-handed. A deal is a must and I am confident it will be reached. We need a new financial goal that meets the moment,” Guterres said.
He said all countries had to do their part, with the G20 leading such efforts.
Guterres described them as the largest emitters with the greatest capacities and responsibilities.
“There is no time to lose on climate finance; the world must pay up or humanity will pay the price,” Guterres said.
