Mercy Corps Tasks African Leaders on Homegrown Climate Solutions

By Adedapo Adesanya

Mercy Corps has urged African leaders to champion homegrown solutions to tackle the rising dangers around climate at the Africa Climate Summit.

Speaking on this, Allison Huggins, the organisation’s Deputy Regional Director for Africa, said the continent is experiencing worsening climate catastrophes, which has brought an increase in the frequency and intensity of heavy rain and flooding and an increase in the intensity of strong tropical cyclones, which are associated with heavier rainfall.

Scientists have warned that the world must try to cap global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above temperatures before industrialization, around 200 years ago, to stave off some irreversible impacts of climate change. The Earth is already around 1.2 degrees warmer.

“We are witnessing the devastating climate-driven catastrophes unfold in front of our eyes, destroying lives and livelihoods in Africa. From unprecedented droughts to catastrophic floods and deadly storms, the continent confronts the stark reality of climate disasters that are increasingly less predictable, more intense, and deadlier. Often seen as a continent rich in diverse landscapes and cultures, Africa is now synonymous with the climate’s unforgiving force,” she said.

With the inaugural Africa Climate Summit, scheduled from Nairobi, Kenya, from September 4 – 8, Mercy Corps said this represents a significant milestone in the continent’s commitment to advancing climate action and offers a vital platform for showcasing Africa’s remarkable potential to forge effective climate solutions, adding that African leaders must tap into local solutions to arrest this development.

“Moreover, Africa’s dynamic and youthful population possesses the essential qualities needed to address complex climate challenges: unwavering resilience, an innovative spirit, and steadfast determination to reshape our approach and solutions to environmental crises.

“African leaders now stand at a pivotal crossroads, endowed with the power to shape a legacy transcending borders and time. This pivotal juncture urges them to vividly demonstrate and articulate Africa’s vision and illustrate the solutions and innovations that benefit the continent and the global community.

“Climate change is a global challenge that knows no boundaries. Leaving African nations to battle it alone is not an option. This is not just a matter of conscience; it’s a reflection of our shared responsibility to build a more equitable and resilient world.

“We call on leaders to prioritize investments in longer-term solutions, rethink Africa’s food systems, invest in renewable energy, enhance energy efficiency, embrace eco-friendly technologies, and put communities first in our fight against climate change. Failing to invest in Africa’s potential would have far-reaching consequences for the world.

“This first-ever Africa Climate Summit must mark the dawn of a strong and unwavering commitment to bring about positive transformation.”

Mercy Corps is a global team of over 5,400 humanitarians working to create a world where everyone can prosper. In more than 40 countries affected by the crisis, disaster, poverty, and climate change, we work alongside communities, local governments, forward-thinking corporations, and social entrepreneurs to meet urgent needs and develop long-term solutions to make lasting change possible.