By Duncan Mboyah
The African parliamentarian’s seminar on reduction of methane concluded in Kenya’s capital of Nairobi with a commitment to develop policies and measures that are aimed at reducing global temperature increase and methane emissions.
The parliamentarians drawn from 21 countries say they will ensure that the policies developed do not compromise sustainable development in their countries.
They emphasized the importance of global inter-parliamentary cooperation and solidarity in addressing climate change and methane emission.
“This is one way of promoting knowledge exchange, strengthening policy framework, reducing emissions and mitigating impacts on the most vulnerable populations,” the parliamentarians said in a statement.
Drawn from environment and climate change committees, they called for the fulfillment of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 29) climate finance goal and operationalization of loss and damage funding.
They observed that Africa’s methane mitigation efforts have both adaptation and mitigation co benefits and require adequate, predictable and accessible climate finance.
The parliamentarians called for support from experts to acquire reliable data, technical expertise and capacity building opportunities to support evidence based parliamentary decision making.
“We urgently need the expert advice to expedite transfer of affordable and locally adapted technologies, including low emissions livestock systems, biogas, waste to energy solutions and methane measurements,” they said.
They called for enhanced dialogue between parliaments, governments and international institutions to promote a strong African voice in global climate and methane related negotiations.
The parliamentarians said they will ensure that the international frameworks, financing mechanisms and policy approaches fully reflect Africa’s development priorities, food security needs and national circumstances.
Aleksandra Blagojevic, Manager for international development at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) urged parliamentarians to intensify discussions on reducing methane emission since it is not only a climate change problem but a major health problem globally.
Blagojevic noted that effective methane management through legislation of policies and regulations stands to deliver cleaner air, healthier communities and energy efficiency.
She added that the IPU is committed to supporting governments in their efforts towards meeting the global binding treaties on climate governance.
The meeting was organized by the IPU and the Parliament of Kenya, in cooperation with Climate Parliament and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
