Mozambique's President Daniel Chapo has called for 33.5 billion euros to bolster the country's ability to prevent, adapt to, and respond to extreme climate events over the next ten years. This appeal was made during the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey, where global leaders gathered to discuss measures to combat climate change and financing mechanisms. According to Chapo, Mozambique needs approximately 37.2 billion US dollars, equivalent to 33.5 billion euros, to strengthen community resilience and reduce the impacts of natural disasters.
President Chapo revealed that between 2000 and 2025, Mozambique was hit by over 76 extreme weather events, including floods, inundations, and cyclones, resulting in human losses and economic damages exceeding 4.1 billion euros. In light of this scenario, Chapo considered it a priority to strengthen national climate adaptation mechanisms and disaster risk reduction, with particular attention to the most vulnerable communities. To achieve this, Mozambique has adopted the National Adaptation Plan, which prioritizes strengthening early warning systems and integrating climate risks into local planning.
The President highlighted that Mozambique has at least 141 local adaptation plans and over 1,500 community committees for disaster risk management. These structures aim to improve community preparedness, enhance prevention, and facilitate response to natural phenomena that regularly affect different regions of the country. The requested financing will also support the construction and rehabilitation of resilient infrastructure, population protection, and the implementation of measures to reduce vulnerability to climate change.
During his intervention, President Chapo advocated for greater involvement from international partners in financing adaptation and mitigation measures to combat climate change. He emphasized the need for economically developed countries to fulfill their international climate financing commitments and assume greater responsibility for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Mozambique faces recurring risks associated with tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events, which have consequences for agriculture, infrastructure, food security, and living conditions.
The President reiterated that strengthening international cooperation is a priority for Mozambique. The country's climate change vulnerabilities and needs require collaborative efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change. Mozambique's appeal for 33.5 billion euros aims to support the implementation of measures to reduce the country's vulnerability to climate change and strengthen the resilience of its communities.
According to President Chapo, the funds will be used to support the implementation of Mozambique's National Adaptation Plan and other climate change initiatives. The plan prioritizes the protection of vulnerable communities and the promotion of sustainable development. The President's appeal for international support highlights the need for global cooperation to address the pressing issue of climate change.
The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) provides a platform for global leaders to discuss climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Mozambique's appeal for 33.5 billion euros to combat climate change underscores the country's commitment to addressing the impacts of climate change and promoting sustainable development. The international community's response to Mozambique's appeal will be crucial in supporting the country's efforts to build resilience to extreme weather events.
Key points
- President Daniel Chapo requests 33.5 billion euros to support Mozambique's climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts over the next decade.
