In his speech at the African Climate Summit, Guterres recalled that the region represents only four percent of global emissions, but it is affected by extreme heat, ferocious floods and accumulates tens of thousands of deaths due to devastating droughts. He presented a roadmap with three main items to reverse the scenario and take “a quantum leap in climate action.”
Firstly, developed countries must commit to reaching net zero emissions as close as possible to 2040, while emerging economies must do so by 2050 with the support of first world nations, he stressed.
As a second item, the UN chief recognized the need for developed countries to present a clear path to finance adaptation.
Lastly, he proposed boosting Africa as a world leader in renewable energy and green growth, as the region is rich in renewable power and is home to 30 percent of mineral reserves essential for clean, low-consumption energy.
Among other potentialities, Guterres mentioned the reserves in the Greater Horn of Africa and the mass hydroelectric projects in Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan, along with wind and solar initiatives in Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco.
The Secretary General assured that the continent “can be at the center of a renewable future. (…) This Summit and the solutions being discussed represent a great step forward, but your countries are not alone on this journey,” he concluded.
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