Implementing climate change plans will be a multibillion-dollar commitment – Windhoek Observer

Niël Terblanché

Pohamba Shifeta, the Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, in a recent address to parliament, declared that Namibia’s efforts to combat climate change, in line with the Paris Agreement’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), will require a substantial investment of around N$112.3 billion.

The allocated budget reflects Namibia’s steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability, with N$65.2 billion dedicated to mitigation measures and N$47.1 billion aimed at adaptation targets.

The minister added that the majority of this funding, approximately 90 percent, is expected to be sourced from international multilateral and bilateral channels, reducing the financial burden on domestic resources.

Last year marked a pivotal moment for Namibia’s environmental policy as the Ministry coordinated the update and submission of the country’s climate change commitments.

“These efforts align with the ambitious global objective of limiting the temperature rise to well below 1.5 degrees Celsius. Our pledge to the world is unequivocal. We are dedicated to enhancing resilience across our key economic sectors while maintaining our focus on the pressing issue of global warming,” he said.

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the ministry has identified four critical sectors for intervention: Energy, Waste, Industrial Processes and Product Use, and Agriculture, Forestry, and other Land Use.

“Our goal is bold yet necessary – to cut our greenhouse gas emissions by 91% by the year 2030,” Shifeta said.

This ambitious target emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and financial support for Namibia, a sentiment echoed by Shifeta.

According to Shifeta, the Ministry is actively engaging with various development partners and tapping into multilateral funding windows, including the Adaptation Fund, Global Environmental Facility, and Green Climate Fund, to effectively mobilize the necessary climate finance.

Namibia’s proactive stance in updating and submitting its NDCs demonstrates its commitment to not only meeting but exceeding its responsibilities under the Paris Agreement.

By targeting key sectors that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, the country is positioning itself as a leader in climate change mitigation and adaptation in the sub-Saharan region.

He said that with a clear strategy and commitment, Namibia will stand at the forefront of an effort to safeguard the environment and planet for future generations.