Champion Climate Change Agenda With Zeal:Speaker Wetangula Calls On African Parliaments
National Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula, has urged African Parliaments to embrace the Climate Change agenda through robust legislation.
Speaker Wetang’ula emphasized the pivotal role Parliaments play in mitigating climate change’s impact and expressed concern about the underutilization of this potential.
“Parliaments across Africa hold the key to the success of the Climate Change agenda. You must be fiercely and viciously patriotic while dealing with legislation related to climate change matters,” he stated.
The Speaker made the remarks during the Climate Change Summit Parliamentary Dialogue, where he presided over discussions at the National Assembly Chambers today.
While highlighting Kenya’s proactive stance, he noted, “Kenyan Parliament has taken a lead in Climate Change matters by passing a progressive Climate Change Bill that has been assented to by the President.”
He also extended an offer to share copies of this legislation with willing Parliaments.
Furthermore, Speaker Wetang’ula emphasized that Parliaments are central to executing the climate change agenda, as the Executive and major stakeholders, including donors, rely on legislation passed by them to implement their initiatives aimed at combatting climate change.
“Parliaments must appropriate adequate resources for the adoption and implementation of the climate change agenda across the continent,” he asserted
Addressing the environmental injustices suffered by the African continent, the Speaker stated: “Africa pollutes less but suffers most. Those who pollute the most have treated Africa with extreme dishonor.”
He called for unity among African nations to confront these oppressors.
Speaker Wetang’ula stressed the need for African leaders to transition from despair to hope, stating that the Climate Change Summit has provided a timely opportunity for Africa to set the climate change agenda and act decisively.
He concluded by reaffirming the Kenyan Parliament’s commitment to the Nairobi Climate Change declaration, echoing the resounding message that Africa is resolute in addressing climate change’s challenges.
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