By Nneka Nwogwugwu
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Evgeny Lebedev, a shareholder of The Independent are preparing to share the global importance of protecting Africa’s carbon-rich natural landscapes at the United Nations Cop26 climate summit.
The Kenyan government and UK based Independent newspaper will by next week hold an event on carbon rich landscapes.
Kenyatta and Lebedev are convening the high-level event to discuss how private and public sector investment in these crucial carbon sinks is vital to combatting the climate crisis.
President Kenyatta is a member of the Giants Club along with the presidents of Botswana, Gabon, Uganda, Mozambique and Rwanda. Lord Lebedev, a shareholder of The Independent, is the Giants Club’s patron.
Next week’s Cop26 event will feature contributions from the heads of state, or their senior representatives, from all the Giants Club countries. “Cop26 must focus on an African solution to our global climate problem,” Lord Lebedev said.
“We need to preserve Africa’s carbon sinks if we are to stand a chance of saving our planet. Together, African governments, the private sector and the global community can help to sustain Africa’s natural habitat – and combat climate change.”
Keriako Tobiko, the Kenyan government’s cabinet secretary for environment and forestry, said the event was important for ensuring equitable action on climate change.
