U.S. Commitment to Assisting Africa in Climate Change Adaptation

"The United States is resolute in its commitment to forge a truly global solution to climate change. Through the Copenhagen Accord and a range of international collaborations we are working with the poorest, most vulnerable nations to help them adapt to climate change and chart a future of sustainable growth and development," Franklin Moore, Dep. Asst. Administrator for USAID's Africa Bureau, during his testimony to Congress yesterday.

Excerpts of his speech can be found below...

Testimony of Franklin Moore

Deputy Assistant Administrator

USAID Bureau for Africa

Climate Change in Africa

Climate change is one of the premier challenges of our generation. No nation, large or small, rich or poor, is immune to its impact, and no nation can afford to sit idly by while its effects unfold. Around the world, climate change is another factor that will exacerbate existing development challenges such as poverty, hunger, disease, and conflict, and may begin to erode the progress we have made toward improving the lives of people in developing countries.

Despite a lack of extensive data in many countries, the effects of climate change have been clearly visible in Africa. Because of Africa's heavy dependence on natural resources and agriculture, and because of limited capacities in many African communities, the repercussions of climate change are particularly ominous. Fluctuations in rainfall and an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events-particularly floods-are projected to put many people at risk in urban areas, while in rural areas, weather events-particularly droughts and increasing temperatures-are projected to significantly hurt crop production.

To mitigate emissions caused by land degradation, deforestation, and desertification, USAID is working to change the economic circumstances that drive emissions, improve land management, conserve important carbon "sinks" in forests, promote reforestation and afforestation, and promote improved agricultural and agroforestry methods to increase carbon sequestration.

To mitigate emissions from energy use and generation, USAID is pursuing activities that encourage clean energy projects, energy efficiency, low-carbon energy development, and energy sector reforms, including capacity building and technical assistance in demand-side management techniques, supporting regional power pools, and the creation of infrastructure networks with a greater ability to distribute output from clean energy facilities. USAID has recently created the Africa Infrastructure Program to support the development of clean energy projects in Africa.

For the complete statement, please visit: http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2010/ty100415.html

Acting Globally and Locally to Combat Climate Change

As Earth Day approaches, many are asking if international organizations are capable of handling the enormous and complex challenges of climate change. Some say that local action is the key, while others insist on the role of international organizations. On April 7th, environmental expert Dr. Jonathan Pershing of the State Department will host a webchat entititled "Acting Globally and Locally to Combat Climate Change." Join the webchat to discuss the effectiveness of multilateral international organizations like the United Nations in confronting the complex challenges of climate change and whether more can be done through alternative groupings or local action.

This webchat will take place on April 7 at 8 a.m. EDT (12:00 GMT).

Before joining the State Department, Jonathan Pershing served at the World Resources Institute, a nonprofit research organization, where he headed the climate and energy program. He also served as the lead author for the Nobel Prize–winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which provides regular assessments of climate change issues and was one of the U.S. negotiators for the U.N. Climate Convention and its Kyoto Protocol. Pershing holds a Ph.D. in geophysics and is the author of dozens of articles and books on climate change and climate change policy.

If you would like to participate in this webchat, please go to https://statedept.connectsolutions.com/globalconversations/. No registration is needed. Simply choose "Enter as a Guest," type in your preferred screen name, and join the discussion. We accept questions and comments in advance of, and at any time during, the program.
The transcript of this webchat will be available on America.gov’s webchat page, where information about upcoming webchats is also available.