COMESA States Called to Prioritize Climate-Resilient Technologies for Sustainable Growth. Member states of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) are being urged to ramp up investments in climate-resilient technologies to combat the devastating effects of climate change on agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
This call comes amid growing recognition of the region’s vulnerability to climate extremes and the pressing need for sustainable solutions.
COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe emphasized the importance of proactive measures during a recent regional summit, where stakeholders convened to discuss strategies for enhancing climate resilience and securing long-term economic growth.
Climate Change: A Regional Challenge
COMESA member states face a range of climate-related challenges, including prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and devastating floods. These issues have led to reduced agricultural productivity, increased food insecurity, and strained infrastructure, posing significant risks to regional stability and development.
COMESA States Urged To Invest
“Climate change is not just an environmental issue—it’s an economic and social challenge that affects every aspect of our lives,” Kapwepwe stated. “Our collective response will determine the future of our region.”
Focus on Climate-Resilient Technologies
Climate-resilient technologies are being hailed as a cornerstone of the region’s strategy to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. These include innovations in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, water conservation, and disaster management systems.
Sustainable Agriculture
Techniques such as drought-resistant crops, precision farming, and soil conservation are helping farmers adapt to changing weather patterns while maintaining productivity.
Renewable Energy
Expanding access to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power reduces dependence on fossil fuels and ensures reliable energy supply during climate-related disruptions.
Water Management
Technologies for rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation, and wastewater recycling are critical for addressing water scarcity and ensuring equitable access.
Disaster Preparedness
Early warning systems and climate forecasting tools enable communities to prepare for and respond to extreme weather events, minimizing loss of life and property.
Investment and Collaboration Key to Success
Experts stress that achieving climate resilience requires substantial investments in technology, infrastructure, and capacity-building. Public-private partnerships are seen as a vital mechanism for mobilizing resources and fostering innovation.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has pledged to support COMESA member states by providing funding for climate adaptation projects. “Investing in climate-resilient technologies is not just a cost—it’s an opportunity to build stronger, more sustainable economies,” an AfDB representative noted.
International cooperation is also crucial. Organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) are working with COMESA countries to implement projects that address climate vulnerabilities while promoting sustainable development.
Policy Alignment and Implementation
For climate-resilient technologies to be effective, experts argue that they must be supported by robust policies and governance frameworks. COMESA has urged member states to integrate climate resilience into their national development plans and to allocate a significant portion of their budgets to climate-related initiatives.
Efforts are also underway to harmonize climate policies across the region, ensuring a coordinated approach to challenges that transcend national borders.
“We need to work together as a region to tackle climate change. It’s a shared challenge that requires shared solutions,” Kapwepwe stressed.
Benefits Beyond Climate Resilience
Investing in climate-resilient technologies has benefits that extend beyond environmental protection. It can spur job creation, improve food security, and reduce poverty, laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
For instance, renewable energy projects create employment opportunities while expanding access to electricity. Similarly, advancements in agriculture can boost rural incomes and reduce dependency on food imports.
“By addressing climate change, we are also addressing some of the root causes of poverty and inequality in our region,” said a representative from the COMESA Business Council.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the potential benefits, challenges remain. Limited financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of technical expertise have slowed the adoption of climate-resilient technologies in many COMESA states.
To overcome these barriers, stakeholders are calling for increased donor support, knowledge-sharing platforms, and targeted capacity-building initiatives.
Looking Forward
The push for climate-resilient technologies is gaining momentum as COMESA states recognize the urgency of addressing climate change. By investing in innovative solutions and fostering regional collaboration, the bloc aims to build a more resilient, prosperous future.
“Our region has the potential to become a global leader in climate resilience,” Kapwepwe concluded. “But this requires bold action, strategic investments, and unwavering commitment from all of us.”
As COMESA member states work to translate these aspirations into action, the hope is that their efforts will not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also unlock new opportunities for sustainable development.
Source: Lusakatimes
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