Mozambique's President Urges Global Community to Honor Climate Financing Commitments

Mozambique's President Daniel Chapo has called on the international community, particularly major economies, to honor their climate financing commitments and provide increased support to vulnerable countries. Speaking at the Leaders' Summit during the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey, Chapo stressed that climate financing is crucial for countries like Mozambique, which face severe impacts from extreme weather events despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Chapo highlighted that Mozambique requires $37.2 billion over the next decade to finance its climate adaptation and resilience needs. He noted that the country is among the ten most vulnerable nations globally due to its geographical location and frequent exposure to extreme events. Between 2000 and 2025, Mozambique experienced over 76 extreme weather events, including floods, inundations, and cyclones, resulting in human losses and economic damages exceeding $4.5 billion.

The Mozambican President emphasized that his government has prioritized climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction through a multisectoral approach integrating prevention, preparedness, response, post-disaster recovery, and humanitarian assistance. He cited the adoption of the National Adaptation Plan, which focuses on strengthening early warning systems and incorporating climate considerations into local planning. Currently, Mozambique has 142 Local Adaptation Plans and over 1,500 local committees for disaster risk management.

Chapo appealed for support from bilateral and multilateral partners, as well as other relevant actors, to address Mozambique's financial needs in building climate resilience and protecting populations. As the African Union's Champion for Disaster Risk Management, he also urged the international community to enhance support for African countries in preventing risks and building resilience, guided by the principles of climate justice and financing.

The President's intervention took place during COP31, a global platform for negotiating climate change mitigation, adaptation, and financial mobilization. The conference brings together heads of state and government, UN leaders, and representatives from various countries to discuss measures to reduce emissions, adapt to climate impacts, and mobilize financial resources to address the climate crisis.

Chapo's call to action aligns with the Paris Agreement's objective of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, which he warned is under threat. He stressed that major economies must lead emission reductions and fulfill climate financing commitments, ten years after the agreement's adoption. Mozambique's experience underscores the urgent need for global cooperation to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

The international community's response to Chapo's appeal will be crucial in supporting Mozambique's efforts to build climate resilience and protect its populations from the increasing threats of extreme weather events. The COP31 conference provides a critical opportunity for global leaders to reaffirm their commitment to climate action and provide the necessary financial support to vulnerable countries like Mozambique.

Key points

• Mozambique requires $37.2 billion over the next decade to finance its climate adaptation and resilience needs.
• The country has experienced over 76 extreme weather events between 2000 and 2025, resulting in human losses and economic damages exceeding $4.5 billion.
• President Chapo urged the international community to fulfill climate financing commitments and provide increased support to vulnerable countries like Mozambique.