During a recent three-day visit to Southern Africa, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on wealthy nations to honor their financial commitments to assist poorer countries in combating climate change. Addressing the Parliament of Lesotho, Guterres emphasized the urgent need for developed countries to deliver the promised $300 billion annually for climate financing and to expedite the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund.
Climate Finance and the Loss and Damage Fund
Guterres highlighted the severe drought currently affecting Southern Africa, impacting over 27 million people. The World Meteorological Organization reports that African nations lose up to 5% of their annual GDP due to climate change. In this context, the Loss and Damage Fund is crucial for supporting vulnerable countries facing the adverse effects of climate change.
Additionally, Guterres advocated for Africa to secure permanent seats on the UN Security Council, describing the region’s current exclusion as a relic of colonialism that needs rectification.
