Mohamed Arrouchi points out that the effects of pollution are increasing and calls for the use of three African climate commissions to begin to act in favour of the planet

Marruecos recuerda la importancia de una alianza interafricana para frenar el cambio climático

photo_camera PHOTO/FILE - Mohamed Arrouchi, Ambassador of His Majesty the King and permanent representative to the African Union

The city of Malabo, in Equatorial Guinea, has hosted the 4th Session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Migration, Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, with the participation of many African countries. One of them was Morocco, represented by Mohamed Arrouchi, ambassador and permanent representative of the Kingdom to the African Union (AU) and the UNECA. During the speech of the Alawi delegation to the forum, the ambassador stressed the importance of the environment and the well-being of the planet and of everyone.

Arrouchi reiterated that the consequences of climate change are growing. These, in addition to aggravating the plight of the planet's environment, also have physical effects on Africa, damaging demographic trends and the continent's precarious economic situation. The ambassador stressed that Africa does not have the same technological capabilities to mitigate the effects as other regions of the world, so the problem ends up being much greater. 

AFP/PHILIPPE DESMAZES - Un niño camina por el lago seco de Faguibine, cerca de Bintagoungou, en la región de Tombuctú, en el norte de Mali

The Moroccan representative implored the need for the creation of an African alliance, where all the countries of the continent form part and join together to collaborate in the fight against the environment. Arrouchi said that without it, Africa will not be able to cope with the consequences of climate change. According to the statistics and data he presented, it is confirmed that the continent will enter a serious crisis with no way back unless each country does its bit and promotes sustainability.

The diplomat pointed out that this union is the only solution to this serious problem. It would ensure synergies to maximise the mobilisation and resources that each nation can provide. To its advantage, the continent could strengthen its systems. Thus, adaptation to greenhouse diversities will be more stable and sustainable. This would be made possible through early warning system terms and engagement and good relations with the African continent's trading partners.

Although Africa is the continent that contributes the least to greenhouse gas emissions, other regions are major producers of greenhouse gases and, in the end, it affects all parts of the world. Arrouchi says that in order to benefit the continent's environment and ecosystem, the focus must be on fighting and further reducing carbon emissions.

AFP/ BOUREIMA HAMA - Un niño vadea a través del agua en una calle inundada en el barrio de Kirkissoye en Niamey el 3 de septiembre de 2019

To this end, the Moroccan diplomat insisted on the importance of reaching agreements with the continent's main economic partners. Arrouchi calls for the issue to be included on the agendas of the meetings between them, as this will give it the necessary importance and allow the defence of the region to be strengthened, which would put an end to the issue.

As this process will be a long one and on many points not all nations will agree, Arrouchi reminded the Committee that there are a number of organisations that can take charge for the time being and that can begin to take initiatives. These are the Three Climate Commissions of the Sahel, the Congo Basin and the Island States. These are three councils made up of different countries from each of the zones. In these associations, the fight against climate challenges is discussed, especially in countries that share a common economic fragility and are unable to deal with the problem in a sustainable manner. 

AFP PHOTO/HO/MOROCCAN ROYAL PALACE - El rey de Marruecos, Mohamed VI

Morocco actively participates in the Sahel Climate Commission due to its geographical proximity, as it is the one that has the greatest influence on the Sahel. When the organisation was set up, King Mohammed VI called on all the countries that make up the territory to form a partnership for a better life and a carefree future for the region's citizens. However, the Kingdom has also reiterated its support for the other two commissions.

"Climate justice must not be a mere slogan. It must be a requirement for all of us. A requirement to give our populations access to basic resources. The Sahel, as the link between North and Southern Africa, is today subject to the considerable impacts of climate change. The biggest challenge is therefore to address the climate issue in an efficient manner, while taking into consideration socio-economic development objectives and responding to security imperatives," the monarch said at the first conference in Niamey.

More in Society