Baku: The Vice-President of Angola, Esperança da Costa, on Tuesday in Azerbaijan stressed the need to increase funding so that the international carbon markets work for everyone. The Vice-President, who was speaking at the opening of the COP 29 High Level Summit, called for the creation of mechanisms to monitor and ensure that the promised funds are allocated, as well as fully operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Esperança da Costa pointed to the need to create simplified and efficient access mechanisms for financing developing countries, which are most affected by climate impacts. The Vice-President highlighted that Angola, like other countries in the African region, is facing numerous challenges generated by the significant impact of climate change.
The Angolan representative added that the National Climate Change Strategy 2022-2035 integrates cross-cutting issues into ongoing policies, which include funding, improving research, observation, and analysis of cli
mate scenarios. This strategy aims to identify multiple dangers and share data to respond to various problems linked to the situation, including forced migration.
Esperança da Costa stressed that drought and desertification in southwest Angola remained the government’s main concern, as it negatively impacts communities and development programs. The Vice-President explained that the country continues to implement the Program to Combat the Effects of Drought in the Southern Region. This program includes the construction of new dams to promote agricultural and livestock development, strengthen food security, and make communities more resilient.
The Vice-President added that the National Plan to adapt to climate change is underway, and the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2025 is being revised, focusing on the Transport and Energy sectors. Furthermore, efforts to strengthen the national energy matrix with renewable energies were highlighted, currently contributing 66% of energy from photovoltaic and
hydroelectric projects. This contribution is planned to increase to 72% by the end of 2027, reflecting Angola’s commitment to tackling pollution, reducing emissions, and promoting a transition to a low-carbon economy.
Esperança da Costa emphasized the need for increased commitments to stability and to the Pact for the Future, especially considering emerging tensions and conflicts in the international context. This pact, adopted at the United Nations Summit, aims to build a better future and reduce the climate crisis, hunger, and poverty by promoting better food systems, a low-emissions economy, gender equality, education, innovation, and peace as new decisions and a legacy for new generations.