Kenyan President William Ruto has called on developed countries to help African countries address climate challenges by providing the necessary capital and technology.
The statement was made during his speech at the 2023 Ibrahim Governance Weekend in Nairobi, Kenya.
Mr Ruto stressed that industrialised nations have a moral obligation to ensure climate justice in Africa, where rising temperatures have had a negative impact on eco-systems.
The Kenyan president added in this regard that African countries deserve to be indemnified on the losses that climate change has caused their economies.
Mr. Ruto also took the opportunity to recall that Kenya will host the African Climate Summit from 4-6 September.
The Kenyan head of state justified that even though Africa contributes less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it suffers the maximum number of climate disasters, such as droughts, cyclones, fires etc.
William Ruto is using his position as chair of the African Heads of State and Government Committee on Climate Change to push for the investments needed to accelerate the continent’s transition to a green and resilient economy.
For example, Mr. Ruto called on multilateral lending agencies to develop climate change financing programmes tailored to the African continent.
Africa has the potential for renewable energy to decarbonise the continent’s economies and create jobs for the youth, Mr Ruto noted.