President Nana Akufo-Addo has made an impassioned plea to world leaders, urging them to take swift and decisive action to combat the escalating effects of climate change, especially in Africa.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Akufo-Addo emphasized that although Africa contributes only a small fraction to global carbon emissions, the continent disproportionately suffers the consequences of climate change, such as floods, droughts, and desertification.
The President described the situation as dire, calling for immediate and coordinated global efforts to address climate-related challenges. He stressed that tackling climate change is not merely an option, but a pressing necessity, one that requires collective action from every nation. In his words, “Africa cannot continue to bear the burden of a crisis it did not create,” as he highlighted the critical need for fairness and climate justice in international climate policies.
Akufo-Addo’s speech sought to challenge the current global system, which he described as benefiting only a privileged few, while leaving the most vulnerable populations, particularly those in Africa, to face the brunt of the crisis. He underlined the need for urgent changes in how the world addresses the climate emergency, calling for an equitable system that works for everyone.
“At the heart of today’s crisis is the climate emergency which threatens humanity’s very existence. Africa, while contributing the least to global emissions, bears the heaviest burden. From floods to desertification, we are already experiencing its devastating effects. Despite the promises, the vulnerable remain abandoned,” he stated.
President Akufo-Addo’s remarks focused on the concept of “climate justice,” which advocates for fair treatment of all nations, especially those least responsible for the emissions causing the crisis. His call for fairness reflects a growing demand from African nations and other developing countries for greater consideration in global climate negotiations. Africa, which is home to some of the world’s poorest populations, has long been at the mercy of environmental changes that have disrupted agriculture, endangered food security, and displaced millions of people.
The President noted that despite international agreements and the commitments made by wealthier nations to assist developing countries in adapting to climate change, many promises have gone unfulfilled. He pointed out that while countries like Ghana have been told to “adapt and be resilient,” there is often no clear path for how they can effectively do so when faced with the harsh realities of climate change. For instance, he asked, “How does one adapt to famine or build resilience when farmers cannot predict the seasons?”
In addition to highlighting the immediate impacts of climate change, President Akufo-Addo also used his platform to bring attention to the broader issue of global inequality, particularly the vast and growing divide between the rich and poor. He stressed that this inequality should be a central concern for all world leaders and not just a passing issue. He cited statistics showing that over 700 million people, representing approximately 8.57% of the world’s population, still live in extreme poverty, and he questioned the morality of a system that allows such a large proportion of humanity to remain in such dire conditions.
“As president, the vast gap between the rich and poor should be sustained act on our conscience. Over 700 million people representing 8.57% of the world’s population still live in extreme poverty,” he remarked.
His words underscored the moral and ethical responsibilities of wealthier nations to do more in addressing both climate change and global poverty. He argued that these issues are deeply interconnected and that solving one without addressing the other would ultimately be ineffective. Climate change, which often exacerbates poverty by devastating crops, destroying infrastructure, and displacing communities, requires a holistic approach that prioritizes both environmental sustainability and economic justice.
President Akufo-Addo’s address comes at a critical time as global leaders are increasingly facing pressure to take more decisive action on climate change. With devastating weather events becoming more frequent and more severe, there is a growing recognition that the world can no longer afford to delay action. Many African nations, including Ghana, have already begun to feel the impacts of climate change on their economies and populations, and they have been calling for more meaningful support from wealthier nations.
For President Akufo-Addo, the message was clear: Africa and other developing nations cannot continue to shoulder the burden of a crisis they did not create. His appeal to the global community is a reminder that while the causes of climate change may be global, the impacts are felt disproportionately by the most vulnerable populations, and any meaningful solution must take this into account.
In closing, Akufo-Addo reiterated his belief that the solution to the climate crisis lies in collective global action. He called on world leaders to not only honor their commitments but to go beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to ensure that those most affected by climate change are given the tools and support they need to adapt. He expressed hope that with a renewed sense of urgency, the global community can come together to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time and create a fairer, more sustainable future for all.
