The developed countries are engaging in rough play against Africa on the issue of climate change, but there is no referee to blow the whistle. As a result, Africans are increasingly crying foul.
At the ongoing World Climate Conference roundtable discussion, our own assistant director of environment in the Vice-President’s Office, Mr Richard Muyungi, felt compelled to urge the wealthy nations to fulfill their promises on climate change.
It’s the prosperous North that is squarely to blame for the bulk of the carbon dioxide emissions, especially from its industries into the atmosphere that have destroyed the ozone layer, fuelling global warming. Africa, ravaged by poverty, deserves a clean environment, free from pollution.
But whereas the developed countries can somewhat cope with the impact of climate change due to their advanced technology, our continent cannot and, therefore, pays a heavy price. For instance, climate change leads to prolonged droughts that create hunger, while Europe is well known for its food mountains and heavy subsidies for farmers, ruining the market for African commodities.
The countries must realise that they have an obligation to other nations, which are sharing the burden of their polluting development process.
Eight years ago, Africa was promised support to enable the continent to meet its immediate and urgent adaptation needs, but this remains largely unfulfilled.
The impact of climate change in Africa and other developing countries is threatening the sustainability of ecosystems and human survival.
A rise in the sea level, scientists have warned, will have far-reaching consequences in Zanzibar and Tanzania’s 800km coastline, which, it’s feared, could be submerged in 100 years’ time.
Already, extreme weather such as the current drought in Ngorongoro and Serengeti is threatening both humans and the ecosystem.
These are some of the effects of global warming, in which the main culprits include the United States and Europe, and increasingly, the emerging economic powers led by China.
Though all of humanity must play a role in reversing the grave global threat, the developed countries must be help responsible for their actions and made to meet most of the cost of the cleanup required.