Mozambique Calls for Increased Support from Polluting Nations
Mozambican Agriculture Minister Roberto Albino has emphasized the need for the most polluting economies to be formally pressured into increasing funding and technical support for vulnerable countries dealing with the impacts of climate change. Speaking to reporters in Belém, the capital of Brazil’s state of Pará, during the Climate Change Summit (COP30), Albino highlighted that Mozambique will propose measures to hold these nations accountable.
“This is not just an appeal, it is a right. We are among those who pollute the least, but we suffer the most. We need solidarity and climate justice to rebuild our infrastructure and ensure a sustainable future,” he said.
Mozambique’s delegation at COP30 will be led by President Daniel Chapo, who will participate in two key discussion panels: “Climate and Nature: Forests and Oceans” and “10 years of the Paris Agreement: Nationally Determined Contributions and Financing.” These discussions aim to address critical issues related to climate action and financial commitments.
Priorities for the Summit
According to the minister, Mozambique’s main priorities for the summit include creating rapid response capabilities to save lives and protect infrastructure during extreme weather events. He also stressed the importance of promoting a resilient development agenda that addresses the long-term effects of climate change.
“Many commitments made since the Paris Agreement in 2015 have not been fulfilled, which increases the vulnerability of African countries. We want the most polluting economies to prioritize financial and technical support for those who contribute least to global warming but face the greatest impacts,” Albino stated.
He added that Mozambique plans to present concrete proposals aimed at strengthening climate finance mechanisms. These proposals seek to facilitate access for vulnerable countries to adaptation and mitigation funds. “Part of our agenda at COP30 is to increase investment from other countries to support us in strengthening our response capacity. The domestic budget does not allow us to respond to all challenges,” he explained.
Impact of Natural Disasters
The minister reminded attendees that Mozambique is still recovering from the devastating effects of cyclones and floods that have destroyed roads, bridges, and homes. In the last five years, the country has been hit by three intense cyclones—Idai in March 2019, Kenneth in April 2019, and Freddy in February 2021—which resulted in over 1,100 deaths.
“For this reason, we want international support to be directed towards reconstruction and strengthening rapid response capacity,” he said.
Upcoming Events and Participation
The Heads of State Summit, scheduled for 6 and 7 November, will precede the technical sessions of COP30, which will take place from 10 to 21 November. More than 50 world leaders have confirmed their attendance at the meeting.
The event provides a crucial platform for global leaders to discuss climate action, financing, and the urgent need for collaboration to address the growing challenges posed by climate change. As the world continues to grapple with the consequences of environmental degradation, the call for climate justice and solidarity remains more pressing than ever.