CAAF24: ‘Africa must unite in tackling climate change crises’

The Executive Director & Co-founder of Climate Action Africa Forum, Grace Oluchi Mbah, yesterday said African leaders and other critical stakeholders on the continent have a huge part to play in curbing the harsh realities of climate change crises on the continent’s future.

She made the call in Abuja at an international press conference ahead of the upcoming Climate Action Africa Forum 2024 (CAAF24) scheduled to hold from June 17th – 19th 2024 in Lagos with theme: “Green Economies, Brighter Future- Innovating and Investing in Africa’s Climate-Smart Development.”

Mbah lamented that Africa is disproportionately affected by climate change crises and there was the urgent need to collectively address the threat climate change crisis portend to the wellbeing and livelihoods of people on the continent.

“I stand before you today filled with a profound sense of purpose, but also a deep urgency. The very air we breathe, the land that sustains us, the future we dream for our children – all are under threat from a changing climate.

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“We are all aware that Africa is disproportionately affected by climate change. To us, climate change is not a theoretical concept, and it has not been for a while—we experience it daily in the ever-increasing heat and humidity with changes in weather patterns that cumulate in heat waves like the one we experienced last month which has been declared the hottest February in history, increased incidences of the twin threats of flood and drought, deforestation and desertification.

“These erratic weather patterns in turn have socio-economic effects that we are also familiar with – reduced and less yield which are driven by supply and demand to be more expensive, unproductive land, wildfires, war,” she said.

She said the upcoming conference provides a vibrant platform in bringing together leaders and experts for insightful discussions, strategic collaborations and impactful engagements to explore solutions to Africa’s pressing environmental challenges. 

“The essence of CAAF24 lies in its commitment to shaping a climate-resilient Africa through co-creation, innovation, and sustainable investment. Through this initiative, we aim to catalyse solutions that enhance the sustainability and prosperity of the continent’s resources, people and economies.

“This event is not just a conference; it is a clarion call to action, a gathering of minds and spirits committed to safeguarding our continent from Climate Change and redefining what impact means to us on the African continent,” she said.