WATCH: Somalia Activists and government unite at Mogadishu Climate Summit amidst severe climate challenges

Somalia: In the wake of escalating climate-related crises, Mogadishu recently hosted a pivotal Climate Summit.

Delegates made urgent calls to environmental activists, experts, and policymakers to formulate and implement sustainable solutions to climate change.

CGTN’s Mohamed Kahiye has the story.

Climate change funding

Somalia, particularly hit hard by climate-related events in the Horn of Africa, witnessed a significant unison of voices advocating for climate financing and addressing multiple aspects of environmental degradation.

Over the last decade, Somalia has grappled with the severe implications of climate change, oscillating between crippling droughts and torrential rainy seasons leading to widespread flooding.

The degradation of the environment, exacerbated by activities like deforestation—often for charcoal production—has contributed significantly to these climate challenges.

Abdulatif Hussein, an environmental activist, emphasised the pressing need for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to actively engage in international negotiations, particularly the upcoming Climate Change Conference, COP-28, in the United Arab Emirates.

He stressed, “We are calling upon stakeholders, specifically the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, to take responsibility in the international negotiations regarding the climate finance.”

Hussein urges securing funding for the damages wrought by climate change and expediting policies and regulations to implement sustainable solutions swiftly.

Earlier this year, the Somali government pledged a commitment to allocate 10 million US dollars towards mitigating the impact of climate change, such as desertification.

However, activists continue to lobby for additional financing to address the extensive losses and damages caused by climate crises.

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Ongoing deforestation

In a concerted effort to offset ongoing deforestation, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government initiated a robust regreening drive, aspiring to plant 10 million trees nationwide.

The president said, “We are urging every family to plant at least one tree in their home; if you plant two, three, four or five, that is even much better. The trees planted should benefit humans and animals like birds due to their fruits.”

The endeavour aims to rejuvenate biodiversity and act as a bulwark against the recurrent, devastating drought cycles that have plagued the country.

In the milieu of environmental challenges, solid waste, notably plastic, poses a considerable threat to marine life, given Somalia’s extensive coastline—one of the longest on the continent.

Somali Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Khadija Al Makhzoumi, acknowledged that amidst the bounty of beautiful land, weather, ocean, livestock, and agriculture, the impact of the civil war and environmental neglect necessitates collective action.

“It is the right time that we need to stand together,” she noted, recognising the significant work ahead in waste management, pollution control, and battling plastic waste.

While Somalia contributes a mere 0.003% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the repercussions of global warming significantly impede its primary economic activities, including livestock and agriculture.

The stories from Mogadishu streets echo a narrative of a country disproportionately burdened by the global climate crisis and united in seeking solutions, demonstrating a relentless stride towards a more sustainable future.

In the wake of the Mogadishu Climate Summit, the anticipation now rests on tangible actions and global financial support to turn the committed words into effective, on-ground strategies, safeguarding the environment and the future of Somalia.

*CGTN is a BGTN content partner.

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