President Salva Kiir - Credit: Office of the President - Sept. 21 2022

At least 2 million people in South Sudan have been affected by climate change, President Kiir has said.

President Kiir made remarks during the climate summit in Nairobi, Kenya on Tuesday, September 5.

He pointed out that countries affected by climate change need national and regional humanitarian attention.

Kiir says there is a need for additional funds to the proposed 1 Billion US Dollars by the International community in 2009 to address African Climate change-related issues.

The president says 2 million people in South Sudan have lost their livelihoods due to climate change.

“We have over 2 million people who have lost their livelihoods as a result of climate change,” President Kiir told the climate summit in Nairobi.

“In the face of this, we can’t continue to lament about the impact of climate change and wait for financial support promised by high polluters,” he said.

“We must seize this opportunity given to us by this summit. As Africans, we need to understand that transition to a low carbon economy will come from within and its path lies operationalizing the theme of this summit.”

The Kenyan President William Ruto launched the climate summit on Monday in Nairobi.

More than a dozen heads of state of African countries are attending the first African Climate Summit.

The leaders are determined to wield more global influence and bring in far more financing and support.

The continent seeks to assert a stronger voice on a global existential problem to which it contributes the least.

The Africa climate summit brings together countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while adapting to the mounting fallout from the climate crisis.

Among participants are leaders from governments, businesses, international organizations, and civil society to explore ways

The event is aimed to be a model for African ambitions in addressing climate change and attracting investors through legislative initiatives.

The experts see the summit as an opportunity for Africa to advance its climate leadership, given its vast renewable energy potential and significant reserves of minerals essential for green technologies.

The climate experts also stress the importance of funding and adaptation measures for African communities already impacted by climate change.

This year, Africa Climate Week (ACW) 2023 will take place from 4-8 September in Nairobi, Kenya, hosted by the Government of Kenya.

ACW 2023 will be held alongside the Africa Climate Summit (ACS) which will run from 4-6 September.

During the ACS, African leaders are expected to call upon to make ambitious pledges and commitments, towards the adoption of a “Pledging and Commitment Framework.”