By Mary Kasoka Mwiikisa
Baku, Azerbaijan -The Conference of Parties 29th edition (COP29), has opened in Baku Azerbaijan, on the backdrop of heightened actualization of climate finance commitments by the global north, responsible for 92% of excess global carbon emissions.
Zambia’s Green Economy and Environment Minister Mike Mposha is optimistic the country will achieve its adaptation ambition in view of the drought impact, the country has suffered.
Mr. Mposha also said COP29 was a great opportunity for Zambia to make its case, owing to the impact of climate change on key sectors of Zambia’s economy.
“COP29 is an opportunity for Zambia to garner support and seal deals that will enable us invest in affordable renewable energy, water harvesting, irrigation and carbon markets,” he said.
Mr. Mposha also pointed out the need to highlight Zambia’s achievements in climate action.
“Zambia launched its green growth strategy this year, this is a key document towards achieving Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Remember, we also were the 16th Country in Africa to have delivered our National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in 2023. All these efforts are to be highlighted in order to demonstrate Zambia’s commitment towards climate action,” Mr Mposha added.
Speaking earlier, Mr Mposha held a bilateral meeting with the Executive Director of the Fund to address Loss and Damage, Dr. Ibrahim Cheikh Diong.
Mr. Mposha also disclosed that Zambia will host the first-ever Loss and Damage Fund board meeting for Africa in 2026, a move which will put Zambia on the spotlight.
And speaking after the meeting, Dr. Diong applauded Zambia for its role in the setting up of the Loss and Damage board.
Dr. Diong said “Zambia has been an active participant in the development of the Loss and Damage roadmap. I am glad to announce that Zambia will host the first ever Board meeting for the Fund for Africa, and its will be an opportunity for the Country to showcase what it has to offer”.
The minister also met the Zambian delegation where he encouraged the team to extract value from the conference. Mr. Mposha encouraged the delegation which mostly comprised the private sector, to ensure that they put Zambia’s needs first.
And speaking during the COP29 official opening ceremony, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev called on all nations to make historic steps to make the Loss and Damage Fund a reality for those suffering the impact of climate change.
Mr. Babayev also expressed concern at the delayed actualisation of climate finance pledges made by the highly industrialised nations towards climate mitigation and adaptation.
He said that humanity is on the “road to ruin” and that climate change is already present, referring to the recent floods in Spain that left more than 220 people dead, and wildfires in Australia.
“Whether you see them or not, people are suffering in the shadows. They are dying in the dark and they need more than compassion, more than prayers and paperwork. They are crying out for leadership and action,” Mr. Babayev added.
“COP29 is the unmissable moment to chart a new path forward for everyone,” he said, adding that that they need “much more from all of you,” he said.
Mr. Babayev coined COP29 as a “moment of truth” for the Paris Agreement, indicating that no single country or initiative can solve this crisis.
“The regions affected by global warming are waiting for us to show leadership. And they cannot afford the cost of delay. So, let us enhance ambition and enable action. Let us move forward in solidarity for a green world. And let us go to work,” he emphasized.