COP31: African Group Urges Tripled Climate Adaptation Funding
During the COP31 UN Climate Change Conference in Antalya, an Algerian expert called for a threefold increase in climate adaptation funding for African nations. This aligns with Algeria's ambitious national strategy for energy transition and ecological action.
Algeria is actively participating in the COP31 UN Climate Change Conference, which opened in Antalya, Turkey. Prime Minister Seifi Ghareb leads the Algerian delegation, representing President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, accompanied by Minister of Environment and Quality of Life Kawthar Krikou. This international gathering serves as a platform for Algeria to showcase its national efforts in adapting to climate change and highlight its achievements in fulfilling international climate-related commitments.
Amidst the conference's discussions, climate finance has emerged as a central topic. Samir Grimess, an Algerian expert in environment and climate change and coordinator for the national climate adaptation plan committee, reported from Antalya that the African Group, with Algeria's support, advocated for a threefold increase in adaptation funding. This call aligns with Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement, which mandates developed nations to provide financial resources to developing countries. The African Group also emphasized the importance of distinguishing climate funding from official development assistance, noting that the latter constitutes a significant portion of current climate finance and is projected to decline.
Algeria's proactive stance at COP31 is a reflection of its ambitious national strategy for accelerating its energy transition and bolstering ecological action across Africa and the Mediterranean. This strategy, rooted in President Tebboune's vision, balances economic sovereignty with crucial environmental objectives. Key initiatives include a substantial investment of 22 billion euros aimed at generating 15,000 megawatts of renewable energy by 2035. The nation has also constitutionalized environmental action in 2020, adopted a National Climate Plan 2020-2030 with 155 adaptation measures, and launched a National Green Hydrogen Strategy in 2023 with the goal of becoming a leading regional supplier by 2035. Furthermore, Algeria updated its Nationally Determined Contribution, committing to an unconditional 14% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, with a potential increase to 31% with international financial support.
The national commitment extends to strategic sectors, exemplified by Sonatrach's integration of the energy transition into its development plan. Sonatrach has signed a memorandum of understanding with German and Norwegian companies to reduce methane emissions and aims to achieve
