Garikai Nhongo: COP29 success will demonstrate political will to address climate crisis

The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change plays a crucial role in setting ambitious emission reduction targets, establishing climate finance platforms, and raising global awareness about the urgency of the climate crisis, climate change expert Garikai Nhongo told Report.

Emphasizing the significance of COP in bringing together world leaders, politicians, scientists, activists, and media representatives, he said COP ensures that climate change remains at the forefront of the global agenda and mobilizes public support.

Sharing his expectations for COP29, Nhongo highlighted that a successful conference would involve achieving several key outcomes, such as agreements on ambitious and binding greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, commitments from developed countries to support developing nations, additional financing to meet the growing needs of developing countries facing the climate crisis.

"A successful COP will demonstrate strong political will to address the climate crisis, mobilize resources, take decisive action to limit global warming, and build a more sustainable and resilient future for all," Nhongo emphasized.

Garikai Nhongo also shed light on the significant challenges climate change poses for many African countries. Despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa suffers disproportionately from the consequences of climate change.

"This problem was not created by Africa, but its effects are felt across the entire continent," he noted.

Nhongo concluded that transitioning to green energy would be an objective solution to the current climate situation on the African continent.

"African countries can develop their green energy sectors, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute to creating a more sustainable and low-carbon energy future for the continent," the expert emphasized.