By Musa Kamara
On the 4th September, 2023, President Julius Maada Bio delivered an address in which he extended his congratulations to the Kenyan Government for its innovative homegrown initiative and expressed his intent to replicate it in Sierra Leone.
Whiles addressing other African Heads of State at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi Kenya, President Bio showcased Sierra Leone’s touristic nature as he continues to reaffirm his country’s commitment to scale up climate action urgently.
Whiles expressing delight over the formation of such platform to discuss Africa’s approach to climate action, President Julius Maada Bio expressly described Sierra Leone’s exotic nature and called on other Africans that are yet to see the beautiful Sierra Leone, to make time to do so.
He made this statement during the launch of Kenya’s Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi.
“I wish to congratulate my dear brother and friend, President Ruto, for successfully launching this initiative which is a great example of a homegrown solution to a homegrown problem,” President Bio stated during his speech.
He emphasized the importance of addressing climate impacts at the local level, as these impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
President Bio also highlighted Sierra Leone’s vulnerability to climate change, stating that it ranks among the 20 most vulnerable countries to its effects. He mentioned various climate-related challenges such as flash floods, pollution, deforestation and biodiversity loss.
The President also emphasized the need for immediate action to protect valuable ecosystems and communities’ livelihoods.
He stated that, he has presented Sierra Leone’s strategic initiatives towards combating the existential threats posed by climate change during the High-Level Opening Plenary of the Africa Climate Summit, “It was an opportunity to reaffirm Sierra Leone’s commitment to scale up climate actions urgently,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of developing climate-proof avenues for growth and job creation, positioning Africa as an essential player in the global economy while achieving shared prosperity.
The Africa Climate Summit, hosted by President Dr. William Ruto, emphasized the potential for Africa to play a crucial role in the global de-carbonization effort.
President Ruto noted that trillions of dollars were seeking “green investment opportunities,” and Africa had the resources and untapped potential to lead in climate-resilient economic growth and job creation.
