Yemen’s Prime Minister Directs the Formation of a National Vision to Combat Climate Change Effects
In a significant move towards addressing the devastating impacts of climate change, Yemen’s Prime Minister, Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, has mandated the creation of a national vision and a strategic negotiating stance. This initiative aims to reflect Yemen’s priorities and needs in combating the adverse effects of climate change, particularly on livelihoods, environmental resources, basic services, infrastructure, and the required international support to mitigate these impacts.
Government Meeting in Preparation for COP29
During a government meeting held on Monday in the temporary capital, Aden, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of presenting a clear vision regarding the effects of climate change on Yemen. The meeting, part of the ongoing preparations for Yemen’s participation in the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) scheduled for November in Baku, focused on showcasing the country’s needs and the government’s vision in facing climate change. Yemen, despite contributing minimally to climate change emissions, is among the countries most affected by climate change. The Prime Minister highlighted the need for a comprehensive negotiation strategy that includes addressing indirect challenges related to climate change, such as refugee flows, and rallying regional and international support to enhance national capabilities in prediction, adaptation, and continuous coping with its fluctuations.
International Collaboration and Funding
Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak stressed the importance of leveraging international trends to secure financing, establish regional and international partnerships, and implement necessary measures to mitigate the risks of climate change.
The meeting also featured insights from the Minister of Water and Environment, Tawfiq Al-Sharjabi, on the ongoing preparations for the upcoming climate summit. The focus areas include financing, adaptation, loss and damage, and a just transition, alongside proposals for projects currently in development with climate funds.
Encouraging Renewable Energy Use
Discussions during the meeting extended to the advantages and additional governmental incentives that could be offered to expand the use of renewable energy. Ministries including Industry and Commerce, Electricity and Energy, Water and Environment, Agriculture and Irrigation, and the Customs Authority, have been tasked with devising a comprehensive plan to promote the expansion of renewable energy use and the potential incentives that could be offered.
The meeting saw the attendance of key government officials, including the Ministers of Industry and Commerce, Mohammed Al-Ashwal, Electricity and Energy, Manea Bin Yamin, the Prime Minister’s Office Director, Engineer Anis Baharitha, and the Prime Minister’s Advisor, Ambassador Mujeeb Osman, signifying the high-level commitment to addressing climate change challenges in Yemen.
This initiative underscores Yemen’s proactive approach in preparing for the global dialogue on climate change and its determination to seek solutions and support to overcome the climate crisis.
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