Have you ever wondered what those big, international environmental meetings are all about?
The Conferences of the Parties, better known as CoPs, are gatherings where countries come together to make important decisions on issues like climate change, biodiversity, and land degradation.
These meetings stem from agreements made at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, where the world recognised that protecting our planet needed everyone’s commitment.
Each year, representatives from nearly every country meet to assess progress, plan actions, and reaffirm goals.
This year, we are facing a rare ‘Triple CoP’ – CoP29 on Climate Change, CoP16 on Biodiversity, and CoP16 on Desertification – all scheduled in 2024.
Why together now?
It’s because these issues are deeply connected, and solutions to one often address challenges in another.
The urgency for action has never been greater.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Namibia’s landscapes and communities are at the forefront of these environmental challenges.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a rise in droughts, affecting our water resources, livestock, and food security.
Right now, nearly 1.4 million Namibians, almost half the population, are facing high levels of food insecurity.
These events show how our climate, land, and biodiversity are interconnected. Healthy ecosystems help stabilise our climate and support the plants, animals, and communities that depend on them.
Our Nationally Determined Contributions set ambitious targets for Namibia as we aim to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 91% by 2030.
This commitment is not just about numbers, it is a roadmap to building a sustainable future for Namibia, especially through renewable energy sources like solar and green hydrogen.
Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, could offer Namibia a path to economic resilience and environmental stability.
However, these goals require strong international support and funding.
Namibia’s commitment to renewable energy transformation is central to its climate goals.
The country aims to shift 70% of its electricity generation to renewable sources by 2030, while also advancing green hydrogen as a cornerstone of its future energy strategy.
This investment is expected to generate approximately 3 000 new jobs in the renewable energy sector, reducing fossil fuel dependency and strengthening Namibia’s energy security.
Achieving these targets will not only benefit Namibia’s economy but also contribute significantly to global climate efforts.
Additionally, our goals include restoring 5 000 hectares of degraded land, which not only supports biodiversity but also strengthens rural livelihoods.
This holistic approach is critical to addressing Namibia’s vulnerabilities, including frequent droughts and economic pressures that threaten our communities and ecosystems.
THE UNDP’S ROLE
UNDP is committed to helping Namibia achieve its sustainable development and climate resilience goals by partnering with government, communities, and local leaders to drive real action before, during, and after the CoPs.
As a trusted partner on the ground, UNDP champions nature-based solutions and climate-smart agriculture, empowering communities, especially in drought-affected areas, to implement water-saving and soil-protecting methods that enhance food security and resilience.
Working with local farmers and stakeholders, UNDP’s approach directly addresses community needs, building adaptability where it’s needed most.
By mobilising global financing from sources like the Global Environment Facility and through other funds like Climate Promise, UNDP secures essential resources that fuel Namibia’s renewable energy projects and conservation efforts.
These investments create opportunities for communities to lead in green jobs and biodiversity protection, where communities play a vital role in shaping a resilient, sustainable Namibia.
A CALL FOR GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP
As we stand at this important juncture of Triple CoPs, Namibia’s message to the world is clear: We are prepared to lead and innovate, but we need global solidarity to make it happen.
Mechanisms like the Loss and Damage Fund, which assists countries facing unavoidable climate impacts, must be fully resourced to support Namibia and other vulnerable nations.
We call on our international partners to recognise that Namibia’s fight for resilience is part of a global effort that affects us all.
In the words of UN secretary general António Guterres, “Climate change is moving faster than we are, but we don’t give up because we know that climate action is the only path.”
With the right support, Namibia can build a future where people and nature thrive together, creating lasting change for generations to come.
– Alka Bhatia is the UNDP Resident Representative for Namibia. She has more than 30 years of experience in poverty alleviation, trade, and sustainable development.
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