Climate Change Action Ls

𝙇𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙤’𝙨 𝙁𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙂𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙂𝙡𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙖𝙩 𝘾𝙊𝙋30🇱🇸🇧🇷

At the COP30 Leaders’ Summit in Belém, Brazil, the 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹 & 𝗠𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 announced a 𝗨𝗦$𝟭.𝟰 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝟮𝟲 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻) investment over four years to strengthen climate adaptation for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

For Lesotho, this means new opportunities to protect food security and rural livelihoods against climate shocks such as droughts, floods, and frost. Farmers who produce under the toughest conditions will gain access to climate resilient innovations, improved water systems, renewable energy through solar and wind, ecosystem restoration, and tools to safeguard agriculture. This commitment directly supports Lesotho’s 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 (𝗡𝗔𝗣) and climate goals, reinforcing the country’s leadership in resilience.

Globally, smallholder farmers produce one third of the world’s food, yet less than 1% of climate finance reaches them. Without urgent investment, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that agricultural productivity in parts of Africa could drop by up to 20% by 2050. Research shows that every US$1 (≈M19) invested in climate adaptation yields more than US$10 (≈M190) in social and economic benefits within a decade. The World Bank further estimates that targeted adaptation investments could boost GDP in vulnerable regions by as much as 15 percentage points by 2050.

This COP30 breakthrough is more than finance, it is a moral and economic imperative to protect livelihoods and ensure food security. Lesotho’s farmers will have stronger global backing to thrive in a warming world.

13th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA-XIII) Theme: Empowering Africa’s Climate Action with Science, Finance, and Justice

From September 5th to 10th, 2025, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia became the epicenter of African climate diplomacy, hosting two major events: the 13th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA-XIII) and the Africa Climate Summit 2 (ACS2). Held at the historic Adwa Museum, these gatherings brought together policymakers, scientists, civil society, and youth leaders from across the continent to accelerate Africa’s climate response under the theme: “Empowering Africa’s Climate Action with Science, Finance, and Justice.”

Youth participation was a defining feature of both events, with young negotiators and innovators stepping into leadership roles. Among them was Mr. Theletsa Mpholle, a Youth Negotiator with the African Union Commission (AUC) from Lesotho, who delivered a compelling call for a strategic and holistic approach to Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). Mr Mpholle argued that NBS must be recognized as a triple-dividend strategy one that simultaneously addresses climate mitigation and adaptation, socio-economic development, and biodiversity conservation.

His intervention highlighted how restored forests and wetlands not only sequester carbon and reduce flood risks but also create jobs, enhance food security, and empower local communities. Crucially, he emphasized that NBS must go beyond carbon offsetting and be embedded in Africa’s broader development agenda. To achieve this, Mpholle urged negotiators to center Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK), avoid exploitative practices like green washing and land grabbing, and push for scaled-up, predictable financing, especially for adaptation. He also called for stronger technical capacity to monitor and report on NBS outcomes, and for their integration into national and regional development plans.

The momentum continued at Africa Climate Summit 2, held from September 8th to 10th. Youth delegates engaged in high level dialogues, workshops, and networking sessions that deepened their understanding of climate finance, innovation, and continental strategy. The summit provided a rare opportunity for young negotiators to connect across borders, fostering a more unified African position on climate issues. Delegates gained insights into the unique national circumstances that hinder access to climate finance and explored best practices from countries implementing successful climate initiatives.

A standout moment was the launch of two new continental initiatives focused on climate adaptation and youth inclusion. Delegates were also introduced to cutting edge technological solutions, including AI powered climate monitoring tools and mobile platforms for community-based adaptation. These innovations underscored the importance of investing in youth-led climate tech and scaling solutions that are locally grounded and globally relevant.

LMS Supports Youth Climate Advocacy in Schools

On Friday, 12th September 2025, Lesotho Meteorological Services (LMS) provided technical support to Ms. Itumeleng Matlama, a fourth-year law student at the National University of Lesotho and a passionate climate activist.

Ms. Matlama, who serves as a G17 UAC Ambassador advocating for Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action, led a climate awareness presentation at St. Mary’s High School. LMS climate experts supported her in delivering key messages on the causes and effects of climate change, and practical strategies for adaptation and mitigation.

Through this collaboration, students were equipped with essential knowledge about environmental protection and the urgent need for climate action in Lesotho.

This initiative reflects the growing partnership between youth advocates and national institutions in building a climate conscious generation.

When young voices rise for the planet, the future begins to heal.🌎💚🌍