ACS23 ready to tackle Africa’s climate issues

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Writes Marlvin Ngiza

The Africa Climate Summit 2023 (ACS23) preparations are at an advanced stage with emphasis placed on collective climate action to find common global solutions.

This year’s summit is taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, running from 4 September until 6 September focusing on driving green growth and climate finance solutions for Africa and the world, which brings about the theme “Africa Shaping the Future for Innovative Climate Solutions for Resilient and Inclusive Development”.

The ACS23 comes during the Africa Climate Week (ACW) which is an annual event that brings together leaders from governments, businesses, international organizations, and civil society to explore ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while adapting to the mounting fallout from the climate crisis.

The inaugural Africa Climate Summit, championed by HE President Samoei Ruto, aims to address the increasing exposure to climate change and its associated costs, both globally and particularly in Africa. With the expectation of escalating climate crises in terms of frequency and intensity, urgent action is required to mitigate these challenges.

The Summit will also serve as a platform to inform, frame, and influence commitments, pledges, and outcomes, ultimately leading to the development of the Nairobi Declaration.

The African Union said that the summit is crucial in deliberating on climate issues affecting the continent, expediting response, and strengthening partnerships that can accelerate the implementation of already existing climate frameworks on the continent.

“The Africa Climate Summit to be held in Nairobi, Kenya, aims to catalyze action and strengthen partnerships that can accelerate the implementation of the existing climate frameworks and initiatives in Africa including the African Union Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan.

Africa underscores the primacy of adaptation and resilience-building as central priorities for African Union Member States and communities, ” said the AU.

At the summit, Africa will prepare for a common position, which will be the basis for Africa’s engagement during the upcoming COP28 climate negotiations to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from 30 November to 12 December 2023.