African parliamentarians sensitised on climate risks
A three-day meeting took place in Windhoek recently to sensitise parliamentarians to the climate risks facing the southern African region and raise awareness about national and international commitments to combat climate change.
Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta delivered the opening statement at the Second Southern Africa Parliamentarian Regional Meeting on Strengthening the Capacity of National Parliaments on Oversight in Climate Action Accountability and Reporting, which took place from 31 July to 2 August.
Shifeta said that in recent years, the urgency of addressing climate change has become increasingly clear.
“Our region faces unique and pressing climate challenges, making it crucial for us to stay informed and be proactive in action," the minister said.
Shifeta emphasised that the region is already experiencing a myriad of negative impacts related to climate change, including severe droughts, serious floods and other natural disasters.
“This gathering aims to update us on the legislative frameworks in place across our nations, share experiences on the tools we use for oversight and track the progress on climate policy implementation.”
Accountability
The minister said that as representatives of the people, parliamentarians play a fundamental role in overseeing and ensuring the accountability of climate action.
“We are entrusted with the responsibility to not only understand the complexities of climate risks but also to guide our respective governments in making informed and effective policy decisions.”
By discussing key elements of oversight and progress-tracking tools, they can enhance their capacity to hold their respective governments accountable and ensure that climate commitments are met, he added. “Thus, the role of parliament in scrutinising and guiding these efforts cannot be overstated.”
can collectively enhance the ability to oversee climate action effectively.
Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta delivered the opening statement at the Second Southern Africa Parliamentarian Regional Meeting on Strengthening the Capacity of National Parliaments on Oversight in Climate Action Accountability and Reporting, which took place from 31 July to 2 August.
Shifeta said that in recent years, the urgency of addressing climate change has become increasingly clear.
“Our region faces unique and pressing climate challenges, making it crucial for us to stay informed and be proactive in action," the minister said.
Shifeta emphasised that the region is already experiencing a myriad of negative impacts related to climate change, including severe droughts, serious floods and other natural disasters.
“This gathering aims to update us on the legislative frameworks in place across our nations, share experiences on the tools we use for oversight and track the progress on climate policy implementation.”
Accountability
The minister said that as representatives of the people, parliamentarians play a fundamental role in overseeing and ensuring the accountability of climate action.
“We are entrusted with the responsibility to not only understand the complexities of climate risks but also to guide our respective governments in making informed and effective policy decisions.”
By discussing key elements of oversight and progress-tracking tools, they can enhance their capacity to hold their respective governments accountable and ensure that climate commitments are met, he added. “Thus, the role of parliament in scrutinising and guiding these efforts cannot be overstated.”
can collectively enhance the ability to oversee climate action effectively.
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