POWER SHIFT AFRICA STATEMENT ON THE UK’S AMBITION TO CUT EMISSIONS BY 81% BY 2035

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Baku, Azerbaijan… Mohamed Adow, the director and founder of Nairobi-based climate and energy think tank, Power Shift Africa, has responded to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement to cut the country’s emissions by 81 percent in the next decade.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told delegates at COP29 that his country was committed to a ‘‘more ambitious climate goal’’.

Mohamed Adow said:

‘‘This is a significant moment. A leading group of governments, including the UK, are rapidly bringing the Paris Agreement ratchet mechanism into life. The announcement by Prime Minister Keir Starmer shows he is keen to ensure the UK builds on the momentum created over the last few years and is determined to strengthen its climate leadership.

“Prime Starmer’s words send the right signals to international allies, business and industry players that the UK is committed to tackling climate change and accelerating the transition to a low carbon economy.

“However, Starmer will not be able to create a microclimate over Britain by simply announcing UK emissions reductions. Climate change is an international problem demanding international solutions. For the UK to be properly protected, it needs to help the global south to decarbonise. This is a finance COP and we need to see funding on the table to meet the needs of the vulnerable and accelerate the energy transition. Only when emissions are falling around the world will we all be safe.

He added: “We need a new grants-based commitment from the UK that results in cash reaching those in need. Not just numbers on spreadsheets. The victims of droughts and floods urgently need support. At the same time, countries looking to develop and sustain their infrastructure can’t wait any longer.

Starmer also said his government will honour the £11.6bn climate finance commitment the previous Conservative government made, by March 2026.

“We know that the national climate plans in the Paris Agreement will take trillions of dollars to implement. The emissions reductions outlined today will help the climate equation. But is not enough – and only answers one part of the climate puzzle.

‘‘This COP summit is a major opportunity for Africa. It is why there are 30 heads of state attending from our continent. For too long the issue of climate finance for the Global South has been kicked down the road by the rich world. but the time has come for their bill to be paid.

‘‘This edition of the climate talks has been called the ‘‘finance COP’’ as it provides us with the chance to secure a commitment from developed countries for a new, increased finance target which could see funds flowing into Africa to help us adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Adow also weighed in on the participation of African leaders at this COP, saying:

‘‘This is a chance for African leaders to work together, pool their resources and speak with one voice to hold the polluting countries of the Global North accountable. Africa is not alone. We have allies across the globe. But we can speak with moral authority as the most impacted continent yet least responsible for causing the climate crisis.

He added: ‘‘This is the moment for Africa to show its leadership on the global stage and secure a substantial deal for the climate vulnerable communities across our continent.

Note to Editors/Reporters

To interview requests with Mohamed, please reach out to James Kahongeh:

Email: Jkahongeh@powershiftafrica.org

WhatsApp: +254 704 672 573