Niël Terblanché
Namibia has made yet another resounding plea for climate justice at the ongoing 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).
Addressing the High-Level Segment of the conference, Namibia’s Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, delivered the country’s national statement, during which he urged developed nations to fulfil their financial commitments under the Paris Agreement and the UNFCCC framework.
Shifeta highlighted the severe impacts of climate change already felt in Namibia, which this year declared a national state of emergency due to unprecedented drought.
“If Namibia is in such a state of emergency, what about other parts of the world—the Island States whose existence is at risk, the marginalized, and the poor living on handouts?” he asked.
He also stressed the disproportionate burden borne by developing nations in the global climate crisis.
Shifeta criticized the slow progress on climate finance, particularly the unfulfilled promise of US$100 billion per annum in climate funding by developed nations.
He stated that these funds are not acts of charity but obligations rooted in the principle of ‘polluter pays.’
“Namibia, he stated, is not begging but simply asking for justice,” he said.
Namibia’s appeal aligns with its active participation at COP29, where the minister has advocated for a balanced and ambitious climate finance goal.
He said the nation’s commitment to climate action is reflected in its preparations for the conference, which included the establishment of a national pavilion supported by sponsorships amounting to N$1.78 million.
“This platform has been used to highlight Namibia’s climate mitigation efforts and foster international partnerships,” he said.
Shifeta also reaffirmed the country’s focus on operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund, established at COP28, as a vital mechanism for addressing climate-induced disasters.
He called for financial resources to be delivered as grants, not loans, stressing that climate finance must not exacerbate the debt burden of vulnerable nations.
“Wisdom without action is meaningless and useless. We need to act now here in Baku,” he said.
He added that Namibia’s strong stance with regard to climate justice is set against the backdrop of ongoing discussions on carbon market regulations, which the government plans to finalize in 2025.
According to Shifeta, Namibia has convened policy dialogues to discuss sustainable energy transitions, reinforcing the country’s commitment to inclusive and community-driven climate solutions.
Namibia’s voice was joined with those of other nations in the rallying cry for climate justice.
