CS Barasa urges global leaders to end chronic underfunding of Climate Adaptation at COP30

Delivering Kenya’s national statement during the High-Level Segment of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Dr. Barasa said adaptation remains “underfunded, vaguely defined, and perpetually delayed,” despite being critical for countries already experiencing severe climate impacts.

She noted that developing nations, including the Least Developed Countries, have formally called for a tripling of adaptation finance, a position Kenya supports. Dr. Barasa emphasized that such financing must be scaled-up, predictable, and largely grant-based to avoid worsening debt pressures in vulnerable economies.

According to the Cabinet Secretary, African countries continue to bear disproportionate impacts of climate change, despite contributing the least to global emissions.

“Droughts, floods, and extreme heat have become part of daily life for millions, eroding development gains and straining economies,” she said.

COP30 is hosting key negotiations on the Global Goal on Adaptation, and Dr. Barasa stressed that the goal must be anchored in a clear framework with measurable indicators.

These, she said, should reflect the full spectrum of adaptation needs  including resilient infrastructure, food systems, health, ecosystem protection, gender considerations, and the inclusion of marginalised communities.

She reiterated Africa’s call for the formal recognition of the continent’s special needs and circumstances. This, she said, is not an appeal for sympathy but a call for fairness to ensure global decisions and support mechanisms reflect realities on the ground.

Dr. Barasa also pointed to the central role of technology in Africa’s climate response. She highlighted ongoing barriers that limit access to climate-related technologies and called for stronger commitment to technology transfer, resolution of intellectual-property constraints, and investment in regional innovation and manufacturing hubs.

“Africa cannot remain a consumer of imported solutions,” she said, adding that empowering the continent to develop and deploy its own technologies is key to both adaptation and long-term transformation.