Pan African Climate Justice Alliance has called on African countries to prioritise Climate adaptation and mitigation efforts to reduce loss and damage.
Speaking ahead of the Africa Regional Conference on loss and damage, the Executive Director PACJA Dr. Mwenda Mithika stressed that while providing financial assistance is crucial, addressing the root causes of climate change remains paramount.
Mithika noted that the Africa Regional Conference on loss and damage which which will be held on 20th to 22nd March 2024 at Bingu wa Mutharika International Centre in Lilongwe, Malawi is a pivotal platform for African countries to assert their influence in global climate governance.
He said African nations can advocate for policies that address their unique vulnerabilities and ensure equitable access to resources by positioning themselves at the forefront of discussions surrounding the Loss and Damage Fund.
“Optimizing benefits from the Fund is essential for unlocking financial support to bolster resilience and drive sustainable development across the continent. Together, African countries can harness collective strength to shape a resilient future and secure a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.” Noted Mithika.
Adding that: “Enhancing frontline action underscores the urgency of supporting communities most impacted by climate change, empowering them to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.”
At COP27 in 2022 countries agreed to establish a Loss and Damage Fund, which would provide financial assistance to climate-vulnerable countries.
The fund was officially operationalized at COP28 in November 2023.
According to UNEP, whilst progress in recognising and addressing loss and damage is increasingly urgent, it is widely acknowledged that such efforts should not detract from tackling the root causes of climate change and building global resilience to its impacts.
UNEP notes that the best method for reducing loss and damage is still and will always be climate adaptation and mitigation.
Mithika said, optimizing benefits from the Fund is essential for unlocking financial support to bolster resilience and drive sustainable development across the continent.
He noted together, African countries can harness collective strength to shape a resilient future and secure a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.
Loss and Damage
Loss and damage refers to the negative effects of climate change that occur despite mitigation and adaptation efforts. While mitigation addresses the causes of climate change (like reducing greenhouse gas emissions) and adaptation addresses its impacts (like building sea walls to prevent flooding), loss and damage is concerned with the unavoidable and irreversible impacts of the climate crisis.
