Kenyan President William Ruto has called on rich nations to take responsibility for the effects of global warming and for a major overhaul of international financial institutions to combat climate change.
Speaking on Sunday, February 19th, at a meeting of African leaders in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, Ruto stressed the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for global cooperation to tackle it.
In his speech, Ruto criticised wealthy nations for their role in driving global warming and urged them to take responsibility for their actions. He also called for a comprehensive revamp of international financial institutions, which he argued are not equipped to effectively address the challenges posed by climate change.
“Climate change is a global crisis that requires a global solution,” Ruto said. “We cannot afford to leave the most vulnerable nations to bear the brunt of a crisis they did not create. Rich nations must take responsibility for their contribution to global warming and do more to support developing countries in their efforts to adapt and mitigate its effects.”
Ruto also highlighted the impact of climate change on Africa, which he said was already experiencing devastating consequences such as droughts, floods, and food insecurity.
“The people of Africa are already suffering the consequences of climate change, and we cannot afford to wait any longer for action,” he said. “We need bold and decisive action to address this crisis, and that includes a complete overhaul of international financial institutions to better support developing countries in their efforts to combat climate change.”
Ruto’s call for action comes as the international community continues to grapple with the impacts of global warming, which are becoming increasingly severe and widespread. The United Nations has warned that the world is on track to warm by more than 3 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, which would have catastrophic consequences for human societies and ecosystems.
Ruto’s speech was welcomed by other African leaders at the meeting, who echoed his calls for greater action to tackle climate change. It remains to be seen whether wealthy nations will heed his calls and take meaningful action to address the climate crisis.