By Our Correspondent
An expert in Climate Governance and Policy, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, has advised world leaders to ensure that COP29 becomes a decisive moment for advancing global climate action and increasing climate finance.
TheNewsZenith reports that Okereke gave the advice in a statement issued by the Centre for Climate Change and Development, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ebonyi State.
He warned that without a firm commitment to climate action, the world risks falling short of the critical 1.5°C temperature. This is the target set by the Paris Agreement.
According to him, a severe shortage of resources is needed to confront the growing impacts of climate change disasters.
The professor also asked developed nations to take the lead in getting global efforts back on track by mobilising sufficient climate finance to meet the scale of the challenge.
He wants them to move beyond mere rhetoric and broken promises.
Okereke noted that developing nations are the most vulnerable to the global climate crisis. He cited recent devastating floods in Bangladesh, Kenya and Nigeria as examples.
He added that inequality, conflict and development challenges exacerbate vulnerability to climate change.
Referencing reported data, Okereke projected that developing countries would need an estimate of between $5.8 trillion and $5.9 trillion to implement their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) by 2030.
He also said adaptation finance could reach $1.7 trillion annually by 2050.
Okereke stressed that the priorities outlined in the Allied Climate Transformation (ACT 2025) initiative were essential and non-negotiable.
According to him, the four key focus areas include non-negotiable ambitious climate finance and the ACT2025 calls for COP29 to deliver a 1.5°C-aligned New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG).
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This reflects the actual financial needs of climate-vulnerable nations. The funds must be accessible, concessional and transparent.
The second key area is scaling up adaptation efforts. Under this, ACT2025 urges COP29 to address the gaps and challenges in adaptation planning and implementation.
Responding to loss and damage with adequate support is another key area. Here, ACT2025 demands that COP29 must fund and operate the new fund to respond to loss and damage fully.
The last area is accelerating mitigation ambition and implementation. Through this, ACT2025 calls for countries to implement just, equitable and rapid transitions away from fossil fuels.
It must ensure people-centred and just transitions toward net-zero GHG emissions.
Okereke also highlighted the importance of ambitious NDCs in the upcoming updates, with G7 and G20 nations leading by example.
He recognised China’s crucial role in global climate action, particularly through the greening of its overseas investments.
He emphasised that COP29 and the next round of NDC updates present key opportunities for China to continue demonstrating leadership.
This is particularly true as it is a major player in the Global South.
Okereke expressed confidence in China’s pivotal role in driving global progress toward a sustainable and equitable future.
TheNewsZenith reports that COP29 will convene in Baku, Azerbaijan from Nov. 11 to Nov. 22. The Nordic Co-operation will be in attendance.
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