Africa and “Kenya is not asking for help, but to be part of the solution.” These are the words of Kenya’s president, William Samoei Ruto, during his time as the AU head of climate change.
He’s achieved significant milestones, setting the pace for African climate champions and activists. The vocal leader will be handing over power in the AU 37th summit (planned to run from 17th-18th February 2024). So, what are Ruto’s achievements in his time of climate change leadership?
Firstly, Ruto organized a successful African Climate Summit 2023 in Kenya and managed to bring together different leaders and investors in the climate sector. The Nairobi ACS23 emphasized carbon offsets and trading, now a priority for most African nations.
Currently, the outgoing AU climate change leader is in Japan auctioning Kenyan forests for carbon trading.
The ACS23 also saw the large-scale adaptation of the renewable energy agenda, especially through the involvement of major investors. Prior to the event, there was a Youth Energy Summit (YES) in the same venue. It brought together youth from all over Africa to learn and share knowledge in the energy sector.
William Ruto has also been vocal in demanding climate justice and climate finance from the Western nations. He has addressed this in events like COP28 and interviews with international media like France24.
Charity begins at home. Ruto has also urged Kenyans to participate in the African climate agenda through initiatives like planting 15 billion trees by 2032. He also passed the 13th of November as a tree-planting day.
Ruto’s leadership as a climate champion cannot be undermined. His era might end in the upcoming Ethiopian AU 37th Summit, but his push for the African climate agenda will continue to serve as an example for leaders and African citizens.
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