Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-04-09 08:38:36
At the Conference of Non-Alignment Movement Parliamentary Network in Geneva, Switzerland, nominated National Assembly Member Kebba Lang Fofana praised the government’s efforts in fighting climate change. Fofana, who led the Gambian delegation, highlighted President Adama Barrow’s commitment to making climate change a top development priority despite The Gambia contributing less than 0.01% to global greenhouse gas emissions.
The Gambia, particularly Banjul, is recognized globally as one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change. In 2021, the country submitted its second nationally determined contribution (NDC 2) which was commended for being the only NDC aligned with the 1.5 degrees Celsius target set by the Paris Agreement. The Gambia has also set an ambitious goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 through ‘The Gambia Long-Term Neutral Development Strategy 2050.’
Fofana assured the conference that the National Assembly of The Gambia will play a role in pushing the government to further commit to the fight against climate change by implementing national legal instruments to reduce emissions, enhance adaptation efforts, and mitigate climate change.
He urged his fellow parliamentarians to take decisive action before it is too late, emphasizing the importance of not failing the citizens and future generations who rely on them for a sustainable future. The theme of the conference, “Revitalizing Parliamentary Action to Fight Climate Change,” was deemed relevant and timely given the urgent nature of climate change.
Fofana emphasized the need for parliaments worldwide to prioritize clean and renewable energy initiatives, promote green jobs, protect biodiversity, and uphold the Paris Agreement. He called for legislation on climate change that is in line with international agreements and sufficient funding to support climate action, as well as mechanisms for government oversight.
Despite numerous climate change agreements being signed by governments, Fofana pointed out the lack of success in terms of mitigation and emissions reduction. He urged parliamentarians to engage with their governments to ensure they deliver on their commitments to combat climate change effectively.
In conclusion, Fofana stressed the importance of transitioning from rhetoric to concrete action in addressing the climate crisis. He called on all stakeholders to work together towards a sustainable future for current and future generations, highlighting the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action. The conference served as a platform for discussions and collaborations to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time – climate change.
Read the original article on The Voice Gambia
