UN sounds alarm on global warning

The alarm bells for global warming have been ringing louder than ever, with the United Nations sounding a dire warning that the Earth is spiraling out of control in terms of climate change. The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has highlighted the possibility of further climate disruptions for not just decades, but possibly centuries to come. In the midst of this crisis, the focus has turned to Africa and the implications for the continent's contribution to and experience of climate change. Dr. Richard Munang, the Climate Change Programme Coordinator for Africa at the United Nations Environment Programme, joined CNBC Africa to shed light on the situation. Africa's contribution to global warming may seem relatively small, with the continent emitting only 2 to 3 percent of global emissions, mainly from land-based activities. However, the impact of climate change on Africa is disproportionately severe. Recent research has shown that over 60 percent of African countries are warming at a faster rate than the global average. With the Earth hurtling towards surpassing the critical 1.5-degree Celsius threshold in just 20 years, the continent is at risk of facing catastrophic consequences. Despite its relatively low emissions, Africa is feeling the heat of climate change at an accelerated pace. Dr. Munang emphasized that Africa has been taking climate action seriously and leading the charge in adopting policies to mitigate the threats posed by global warming. Over 52 African countries have already ratified the Paris climate agreement, showcasing a commitment to addressing climate change on the continent. Additionally, several countries have submitted ambitious plans to reduce emissions under the nationally determined contributions, demonstrating a strong political will to combat climate change. However, the challenge lies in translating these policies into tangible action on the ground. Implementation has been lagging behind, posing a significant risk to achieving carbon zero targets in time. The disconnect between policy formulation and execution needs to be bridged to effectively address the climate emergency. The conversation shifted towards the role of different stakeholders in tackling climate change, with a focus on the private sector. Dr. Munang emphasized that climate action is a collective responsibility that requires the involvement of governments, private sector entities, and individuals. While governments play a crucial role in setting policies and creating incentives for climate-friendly practices, the private sector must also step up and integrate climate action into their business models. Agriculture, a key sector in many African economies, needs to adapt to climate change to ensure its sustainability. Financial institutions, including banks, need to incorporate climate considerations into their investment decisions to mitigate risks and support sustainable development. Dr. Munang highlighted the importance of incentivizing young entrepreneurs to innovate in climate solutions, such as turning waste into bricks to replace charcoal. By engaging youth in climate-resilient business opportunities, Africa can drive economic growth, create jobs, and advance climate action simultaneously. The message is clear - addressing climate change is not just an environmental imperative but also an economic opportunity. Africa stands at the forefront of climate change action, with the potential to lead the way in building a sustainable and resilient future for the continent and the planet.