Roundup: Kenya hosts major concert to press for new climate deal

Kenya's capital Nairobi on Saturday hosted a major concert attended by leading African green campaigners, artists and grassroots leaders to mobilize support for a new climate deal.

Thousands of revelers attended the concert organized by Pan African green groups to press world leaders to support a legally binding treaty to curb green house gas emissions during the Paris climate summit to be held in late November.

Green advocates and celebrities were united in their call for world leaders to endorse a new climate treaty to help save the planet from negative impacts of rising temperatures.

"The call for action should be amplified as we head to Paris to negotiate for a new climate treaty that is not only legally binding but sensitive to Africa's concerns ranging from food, water and energy security," said Ed Pomfret, a senior Programs Officer at Oxfam, a global charity.

Green campaigners have this month organized a series of concerts in cities across the world to catalyze momentum towards adoption of a new climate deal.

Speaking to Xinhua on the sidelines of the Nairobi concert, Pomfret said world leaders have an obligation to pass laws that protect vulnerable communities from negative impacts of climate change.

"There is urgency to act now and save the planet from vagaries associated with climate change. World leaders should listen to the voices of the people who suffer most from recurrent drought cycles and flooding," said Pomfret.

Campaigners have intensified the call for major emitters to compensate poor communities that have borne the brunt of climate change.

Pomfret revealed that Oxfam has partnered with Pan African climate justice movement to press for actualization of the annual 100 billion U.S. dollars pledged by the developed world to boost climate resilience in the global south.

"We are calling on the industrialized world to honor their financial commitment to support the fight against climate change. Half of the 100 billion dollar climate fund should be channeled towards adaptation programs," Pomfret said.

He commended China and the United States for making new commitments to reduce their carbon emission levels.

African political, corporate and community leaders, must speak with one voice to push for a climate deal that reflect the continent's needs and aspirations.

Mithika Mwenda, the Secretary General, Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), said African countries stand to gain immensely from the adoption of a new climate deal in Paris.

"There is need to accelerate the momentum towards agreeing on a new accord that addresses issues of compensation, finance and technology transfer to help the African continent tackle climate change," Mwenda said.

Performing artists, cyclists and grassroots campaigners attended the Nairobi concert to raise the African voice ahead of Paris climate talks.

Revelers urged African leaders to push for adoption of a new accord that injects fresh momentum towards achieving zero carbon growth in the continent.

"We require serious commitment from our leaders to help secure a new climate deal in Paris. The future of this planet is in peril if we do not act now to halt emission of green house gases," said Carol Wambui, the national coordinator, Kenya Youth Climate Network. Endit