Kenyan officials and climate experts gathered in Nairobi to refine the continent’s negotiating position as Africa prepares for the 62nd session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB62) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Speaking at the Pre-SB62 Strategy Meeting event the Principal Secretary state department for environment and climate change, Dr. Festus k. Ng’eno, emphasized the need for concerted efforts in climate change action.
“Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is our daily reality.” The PS warned.
According to the World Meteorological Office’s outlook, 2025 is likely to be one of the three warmest years for global average temperature, with January 2025 being declared the world’s warmest January on record.
Despite contributing the least to global greenhouse emissions, Africa carries the brunt of the climate change impact,this is according to UNFCCC.
The region faces severe consequences due to its dependence on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, coupled with its limited access to finance and technology.
According to Dr. Ng’eno, adaptation especially in Agriculture, is no longer optional but an existential imperative for safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our continent’s economies. We however face the challenge of sustainably providing food to a rapidly growing population while enhancing resilience to climate change and other extreme shocks and events.”
“We must therefore, ensure that agriculture is at the center of our climate resilience strategies, including the new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and our National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).”
NDC is a country’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. It is a key element under the Paris Agreement.
Speaking at the same event, Dr. George Wamukoya Team Leader Africa Group of negotiators experts support (AGNES) stated the importance of Agriculture in the climate change efforts.
“Our countries are developing NDCs 3.0 and agriculture is important aspect of it as adaptation and mitigation efforts need to be accounted for as part of the NDCs.”
The PS lauded the achievements made at the COP29 including the adoption of USD 300 billion annual target for climate action in developing countries as well as the advancements on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), including the Baku Adaptation Roadmap. He assured of the Kenyans’ government support.
“I reaffirm the Government of Kenya’s unwavering commitment to supporting Africa’s climate agenda and working closely with our global partners to drive meaningful action.” He concluded.
