2023-06-21 22:18:00
Last year in Berlin, the formidable Kenyan long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge broke the world marathon record, completing the race in 2 hours, 1 minute and 9 seconds, 30 seconds ahead of his previous stopwatch. This achievement made him a legend, not only in Kenya but also across the world. Kipchoge’s winning strategy is rooted in the science of running (and running over 120 miles each week). Our approach to the climate crisis must involve this same level of commitment and focus.
As temperatures and emissions continue to rise, the planet too keeps breaking dangerous new records. With determination and follow through, we can also – alongside institutional partners and other governments – begin to quicken our strides to get ahead of the climate crisis. Our success will depend on taking into account recent scientific data, as well as the mobilization of a joint and collective effort on the part of governments and citizens.
In March, the world’s leading climate scientists and a number of states endorsed the latest summary report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Once once more, the IPCC’s message was unequivocal: humans have permanently changed the planet, and global warming is already killing people, destroying nature, and impoverishing the world. While African countries have contributed least to the problem, they bear the brunt of the damage. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Africa represented less than 3% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, and 600 millions Africans – an unacceptable figure – still do not have access to electricity.
Climate change is a common problem that needs to be addressed by the global community working together, especially given the disproportionate burden on those least responsible. During Olaf Scholz’s recent trip to Kenya, the German Chancellor and I discussed ways to address the climate crisis. Through the Germany-Kenya Climate and Development Partnership, our two countries are committed to deepening their collaboration on climate-resilient development and renewable energy, including supporting green hydrogen production and sustainable agriculture.
We are still far from the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, even 2°C, as envisaged by the Paris climate agreement. The climate crisis will not solve itself. On the contrary, we must ensure that global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions peak before 2025 at the latest and then decline by at least 43 % by 2030.
It is this year that it is up to us to lead this transformation. The upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) from November-December, offers the opportunity to accelerate the energy transition, to strongly insist on the growth of renewable energies, and to commit ourselves to stepping out of the set fossil fuels – starting with coal.
Kenya is on track to achieve these goals. We are already generating 92 % of our electricity from green sources, and we are committed to achieving 100% green electricity by 2030. Similarly, renewable energy has generated 46% of Germany’s electricity in 2022, and the German government has engaged to increase this share to 80% by 2030. Crucially, these commitments will not only lead to clean electricity and a safer environment, but they will also create jobs, attract investment, by making our economies more secure and more resilient to the volatility of gas and oil prices.
But it is important that we lead this race as a team. According to the IEA, the global ratio of investment in clean energy to investment in dirty energy will have to be multiplied by six by 2030 (to go from 1.5/1 to 9/1).
Provided there is a strong partnership between Africa, Europe and the rest of the international community, Kenya – with its abundant resources – can make significant contributions to decarbonization as well as the global transition to a carbon free economy. net zero. We must unleash climate finance and investment, so that we can unlock our potential for green economic growth. To do this, however, we will have to rectify the current international financial system, which is proving inadequate in the fair management of multi-faceted global crises, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the climate emergency, including the distress of the countries of the South on the level of the debt.
The Summit for a New Global Financial Compact, which will take place in Paris next month, gives Europe the opportunity to mobilize support in support of the reform of the international financial system. The global community must recognize our potential to contribute to solving global problems, and take action to ensure win-win outcomes. This means providing access to affordable, adequate and sustainable finance, delivered on time.
Along with our efforts to reduce emissions, we also need to prepare our people, as well as our housing, agriculture and food systems, for rising temperatures and extreme weather events. The accomplishment ofengagement taken during COP26 in 2021, consisting of doubling global funding for climate adaptation by 2025, remains essential for the preservation of people and nature. The latest IPCC report is blunt: climate change and insufficient adaptation and mitigation efforts are reversing development progress and undermining economic stability.
Furthermore, we must not forget that adaptation has its limits, and that climate change is already threatening the lives of several million people today. As the IPCC points out, reducing GHG emissions by 43% this decade, and stabilizing global warming at 1.5°C or below, remains our best chance of keeping the problem manageable. The climate summit to be held in Kenya in September offers a major chance to demonstrate the continent’s commitment, potential and opportunities to manage the climate crisis. It is incumbent upon all governments to act by agreeing to phase out fossil fuels being consumed at a breakneck pace. We need reforms to make our financial institutions and systems more fit for purpose. Finally, we must take climate action seriously. To resume a formula employed by Eliud Kipchoge, the key to success is to “walk the talk”.
Translated from English by Martin Morel
William Ruto is President of Kenya.
© Project Syndicate 1995–2023
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