From Nairobi to Copenhagen

African leaders have declared their commitment to address climate change, but they will need the help of key partners: the United States, Europe and China.

A recent meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, represented an important attempt to forge an African continental front ahead of the December climate-change talks in Copenhagen, Denmark. Environment ministers and civil society representatives from over 30 African countries met in the Kenyan capital, with representatives of relevant United Nations agencies, the Chinese government and development partners from the west. Although this was essentially an African meeting, the presence of these non-African participants was crucial, given their economic and humanitarian engagement on the continent.

The Nairobi declaration –acknowledged that climate change is fundamentally different from the conventional environmental agenda – the typical approach to which is to react, then correct. The participants seemed unanimous about the need to enhance Africa’s capacity to adapt; and to strengthen local agricultural innovation systems, particularly in high-potential areas. Ministers agreed that adaptation is not just an option, but a policy imperative. Without such a strategy, Africa will be far worse off.

http://www.chinadialogue.net/author/show/104-Godwin-Nnanna