Egypt is mobilizing efforts to bolster water security in Africa, urging the international community to finance "climate adaptation" across the continent. The Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Swailem, recently convened in Kenya with the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Inger Andersen, to deliberate on international initiatives to address climate changes in the water sector.
Minister Swailem emphasized Egypt's prioritization of water issues, highlighting the country's commitment to collaborating with UNEP due to the intrinsic link between water, environment, and climate. He underscored the necessity of implementing measures to enhance water management processes, adapt to climate changes, and mitigate their causes, given the substantial and evident impact on the water and agricultural sectors.
The Minister elucidated that rising temperatures lead to increased water usage and adversely affect the productivity of certain crops, posing a significant challenge for governments in meeting water and food demands. Egypt, he stated, consistently seeks to amplify Africa's voice on the global stage, stressing that while the continent is the least responsible for carbon dioxide emissions, it is the most affected by climate change. This situation necessitates the pursuit of sustainable solutions to address the escalating challenges.
Minister Swailem underscored the importance of international support for the "Conceptual Program of Action on Water Adaptation," introduced by Egypt during the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 27). This program addresses water and climate challenges on a global scale. He highlighted the critical need to direct funding towards adaptation measures and mitigating the effects of climate change on Africa's water resources. Such funding would aid in tackling the challenges confronting the water sector, achieving food security, and improving livelihoods.
In a statement last September, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi emphasized the necessity of international efforts to provide grants to African nations impacted by climate change. President Sisi noted that the annual cost of mitigating the effects of climate change is projected to reach approximately $800 billion by 2025. He also pointed out that 20 countries are responsible for 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, asserting that these nations should make greater contributions to climate adaptation efforts.
