Ruto urges African leaders to unite to deal with climate change

President Ruto has asked African leaders to unite to deal with climate change, saying that the continent is extremely affected by its adverse impacts.

Speaking on Monday during the third Regional Symposium on Greening Judiciaries in Africa at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi County, he said the global responses to climate change will institute structural change.

“Although climate change is a universal existential threat, there is good reason for Africa’s institutions and leadership to drive the agenda of mitigating its effects,” said Ruto.

He noted that the institutional reconfigurations and economic resets emanating from this change will install Africa not only as the continent of the future but as the world’s green economic superpower.

“The looming climate disaster is particularly tragic for Africa, which is entering a new path of peace and prosperity.”

He also said that the path of pollution is not an option even though Africa is focused on tackling poverty and inequality.

Further, he applauded the Judiciary for being at the leading position in challenging climate change.

“I am highly encouraged to note the depth of thoroughness in your appreciation of the existential magnitude of climate change and the imperative for urgent action by all stakeholders, anchored on common institutional coordination,” said Ruto.

“Our judiciaries will determine whether Africa’s institutions exist and are ready to handle the immense mandates that a green future entails.”

Chief Justice Martha Koome who was also in attendance, said the judiciaries across the continent are united by a shared commitment to protecting and preserving our precious environment.

“We view hosting regional judiciaries dialogues as a means of fostering the development of an African jurisprudence that is responsive to the unique concerns and aspirations of our continent,” she said.