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Despite contributing relatively small amounts to global greenhouse gas emissions, African countries bear disproportionately large and harmful impacts of climate change, observed Assistant Secretary General and Director, United Nations Development Programme Regional Bureau for Africa, Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa.

During her public lecture titled "Equity Across Epochs: Unravelling Climate Change’s Influence on the Current and Future Generations," held at the University of Botswana (UB) Campus Sport Indoor Centre, Ms. Eziakonwa underscored the moral obligation of developed countries, as heavy carbon emitters, to aid African nations, especially those in rural areas, in mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Ms Eziakonwa observed that despite Africa hosting the highest form of renewable energy resources, 80 percent of its population lacked access to clean energy. She further stressed that African countries bore significant financial burdens to counter the impacts of climate change. That was despite Africa being the least responsible for the global climate crisis.

Consequently, she advised Africa to take advantage of its vast mining resources for sustainable development. Furthermore, Ms. Eziakonwa highlighted Africa's historical exploitation by developed countries for its mineral resources, which has contributed significantly to their prosperity.

Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa underscored the importance of prioritising financial resources for addressing humanitarian challenges over funding wars as a crucial step in effectively combating climate change worldwide. She observed that addressing climate change must begin with initiatives in Africa. The responsibility to bring about change, she noted, rested with Africans, and required a shift in mindset.

In his welcome remarks, UB Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, observed that addressing climate change challenges began with individual actions. He highlighted the significance of achieving sustainable development goals such as eradicating poverty, eliminating hunger, promoting good health and well-being, ensuring access to clean water and affordable energy, fostering decent work and economic growth, and promoting industry innovation and infrastructure.

In his closing remarks, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Professor Georges Ekosse, cautioned that climate change remained a significant challenge requiring immediate global attention especially for African countries. He said Africa should leverage its mineral wealth and renewable resources to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).