The United Kingdom(UK) prime minister Boris Johnson has announced the formation of a new international coalition to tackle the impacts of climate change, a development whose benefits may spill over to Malawi and other developing countries.
In a virtual address to the Netherlands-hosted Climate Adaptation Summit, which started on Monday and ended yesterday, Johnson lauded participation in the first ever global summit focused solely on adaptation and resilience.
He also launched the Adaptation Action Coalition.
Developed by the UK in Partnership with Malawi, Egypt, Blangladesh, the Netherlands, Saint Lucia and the United States, the new coalition will work to turn international political commitments made through the United Nations Call for Action on Adaptation and Resilience into on-the-ground support for vulnerable communities.
Many countries across the world are already experiencing the impacts of climate change, from forest fires in Australia to the recent cyclones in Mozambique . The coalition fears that, without action, many more will experience significant disruption and extreme weather, in the process devastating communities and livelihoods.
Johnson noted that climate change had devastating effects on the global economy.
”It is undeniable that climate change is already devastating lives and economies. We must adapt to our changing climate and we must do so now.”
I’ll be making the need for a resilient recovery a priority of the UK’G7 [Group of Seven] presidency this year. To make sure we get not just warm word but real change, I am….launching an all-new Adaptation Action Coalition to set the agenda ahead of COP26,” He said.
Johnson said it was important that the global community works together to adapt, to become more resilient and to save lives.
COP26 president- designate Alok Sharma noted that most vulnerable people were at the greatest risk being disadvantaged with the impact of climate change.
”We know that the most vulnerable are at the greatest risk from climate change and they have done the least to cause it. Action to address this and build resilience is needed now, before more people lose lives or livelihoods.”
I am calling on all countries to come forward with ambitious adaptation plans. This important new coalition will crucially focus minds around the world to accelerate adaptation delivery in the areas most in need.” Sharma said.
Source: The Daily Times_January 27, 2021-Jameson Chauluka