Powering African-led solutions to tackle the climate crisis

As the world grapples with the effects of the climate crisis, Africa is charting its own path towards addressing the challenges brought about by global warming. CNBC Africa recently spoke with Dr. Norah Obudho, Health And Integration & East Africa Director, Womenlift Health, about the continent's efforts to tackle the climate crisis. Dr. Obudho highlighted the importance of Africa coming together as a united front at COP28 in November, showcasing a commitment to addressing climate change on its own terms. She emphasized the need for Africa to assert itself as an equal player in global climate negotiations, advocating for climate financing for both adaptation and mitigation efforts. Dr. Obudho commended the recent commitment of 3 trillion shillings towards climate financing, signaling a positive step in the right direction. However, she expressed concerns about the effective implementation of the funds, particularly at the grassroots level where adaptation efforts are most crucial. The importance of tracking and ensuring accountability in the distribution of climate financing was underscored as key to achieving impactful outcomes. One of the key themes of the discussion was the nexus between women's leadership and climate change outcomes in Africa. Dr. Obudho highlighted the critical role women play in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, noting that they are often disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. She stressed the need for women to be active participants in decision-making processes and policy formulation, as their experiences and contributions are invaluable in shaping effective climate action. The inclusion of women, along with youth and persons with disabilities, ensures a more holistic and comprehensive approach to addressing the climate crisis. The conversation also delved into the intersectionality of climate change with health and gender issues. Dr. Obudho emphasized the importance of viewing climate change through a multifaceted lens, considering its impacts on health outcomes and vulnerabilities within communities. She highlighted the need for a prevention and mitigation approach to address climate-related health challenges, calling for increased representation of women in discussions around climate change and gender. Despite the critical role that women play in the health sector, Dr. Obudho pointed out the lack of adequate representation of women in leadership positions. She highlighted the disparities in financing and decision-making roles within the health sector, underscoring the need for increased female participation in shaping health policies and narratives. Similarly, the underrepresentation of women in environmental ministries and senior leadership positions poses a challenge in effectively addressing climate change at a global level. In conclusion, Dr. Norah Obudho's insights shed light on Africa's journey towards combating the climate crisis through inclusive and gender-responsive approaches. The inclusion of women, youth, and other vulnerable populations in climate discussions is essential for creating sustainable and effective solutions to mitigate the impacts of global warming. As the world looks towards COP28 and beyond, Africa's commitment to climate justice and equitable representation will be crucial in shaping a more resilient and environmentally sustainable future for the continent and the world.