The vital importance of forests and oceans in climate action was the focus of the intervention today by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, at a side event of the COP30 Summit.
During the Climate and Nature: Forests and Oceans meeting, part of the Leaders’ Summit of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), which concludes today in this Amazonian city, Youssouf pointed out that Africa is home to 17 percent of the world’s rainforests and vast marine ecosystems.
Despite these figures, he warned, they receive less than five percent of international funding for adaptation.
Highlighting the continent’s leadership, he stated that “from the Great Green Wall to the Congo Basin, Africa is leading the way in nature-based solutions that restore land, create green jobs, and protect biodiversity.”
However, he emphasized that global solidarity is essential; fair carbon markets, climate finance, and technology transfer must match African ambitions.
The session, opened by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, brought together heads of state, government, and other officials to boost political momentum for accelerated global climate action.
