By Linda Kwanjana
President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has challenged global leaders to take action on climate change issues as it is affecting every corner of the global and it is demanding immediate action.
Speaking on the sidelines of side event in the leaders dialogue on climate adaptation action in Africa in New York, USA, the Malawi leader said Malawi exemplifies the struggles of Least Developed Countries in Africa as it is grappling with severe aftermath of extreme weather events like floods destroying crop and homes hence the urgent need for adaptation of resilience for Africa.
“National Adaptation Plan, (NAP) are pivotal to achieving climate resilience. Through the National Adaptation Programmes of Action, (NAPs) Malawi has executed small scale project addressing immediate adaptation needs, yielding promising results. However NAPs provide a long-term framework for fostering comprehensive resilience across critical sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure and water,” Chakwera said.
He also highlighted that as Malawi the country has been fortunete to receive readiness support from the Green Climate Fund for advancing NAP formulation as now Malawi has completed climate risk assessment and now intergrating adaptation strategies into vital sectors.
“Malawi despite challenges remains steadfast in its committiment to global climate action. We have intergrated climate goals into our Malawi 2063 Vision and revised our National Determined Contributions (NDCs) aiming for 51% reduction in green house gas emissions by 2040. However this ambition hinges on predictable and accessible financial support,” the Malawi leader added.
Chakwera therefore calls for shared with values to resolve climate change impacts by not looking at current resources as climate climate crisis transcends boarders and this is a collective challenge that necessitates collective action of all global leaders, policymakers and stakeholders.