CORRECTION - Kenyan president urges Africa to combat climate change through joint efforts

CORRECTS MISTAKE IN PARA. 1, OTHER GLITCHES IN STORY; REVISES DECK

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – Kenya’s president on Monday stressed that African nations must unite to fight climate change.

At a symposium in the capital Nairobi, William Ruto cited climate change's disproportionate impact on Africa as the main reason why there must be a collective effort against it.

Ruto said the effects of climate change have already had a significant impact on the continent, causing food insecurity, water scarcity, and the displacement of communities.

“Africa must undertake concerted action to win the war on climate change. This is because the continent is disproportionately affected by its adverse impacts,” Ruto said.

He added that 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."

Ruto’s said that African governments must pool their resources and work together to build resilience against the adverse effects of climate change.

Also at the symposium, Somalia's Chief Justice Bashe Ahmed stressed the need for “green judicial practices” to combat climate change.

The symposium brought together more than 26 chief justices from African countries, judges, legal experts, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss the role of the judiciary in promoting environmental sustainability and combating climate change.

Ruto's call to action comes as many African countries continue to grapple with the impact of climate change, with rising temperatures, droughts, and other extreme weather events posing a significant threat to communities and ecosystems.

As the continent works to address these challenges, the need for cross-border collaboration and joint action has become increasingly urgent, said attendees at the symposium.