Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan warned that climate shocks are costing her country up to 3% of its GDP annually, calling for greater international support at the COP31 Leaders Summit in Antalya, Turkiye, on Wednesday.
“Tanzania, like any other developing country, is continuously experiencing unprecedented impacts of climate change that include the episode of prolonged droughts, unpredictable rainfall patterns and rising sea levels, with climate-related shocks estimated to cost approximately 2-3% of our GDP annually,” Hassan said.
She called for more accessible climate finance and a fairer energy transition for African countries.
“Developing countries require increased grants and concessional financing, particularly for climate adaptation, together with technology transfer and capacity building,” she added.
Hassan also called for transparent carbon markets to guarantee fair pricing and ensure local communities benefit.
“What we need is a transparent carbon market mechanism under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to guarantee fair carbon pricing, equitable benefit sharing and environmental integrity, while supporting increased resources for local community actions and national development,” she said.
“Let COP31 mark a turning point from promises to delivery, from ambition to action, and from commitments to measurable results,” she continued.
Tanzania’s forests cover approximately 48.1 million hectares, offering potential for carbon trading under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which allows countries to cooperate on emissions reductions and finance climate projects.
Source: Viory
