UNITED Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres called today for a “qualitative leap” in climate action for Africa.

Speaking at the African Climate Summit in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, he pointed out that the continent produces only 4 per cent of global emissions but suffers from extreme heat, ferocious flooding and tens of thousands of deaths from devastating droughts.

Mr Guterres appealed for “a qualitative leap in climate action” to tackle the emergency facing Africa, which experiences the worst effects of soaring global temperatures.

Putting forward a three-point strategy, the UN secretary-general called on developing nations to commit to achieving net-zero emissions as close to 2040 as possible and on emerging economies to do so by 2050.

He also urged developed nations to “deliver on their promise to provide $100 billion [£80bn] a year to developing countries for climate support.”

Finally, Mr Guterres proposed the promotion of Africa as a world leader in renewable energy and green growth, pointing to massive hydroelectric projects under way in Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan, along with wind and solar initiatives in Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco that are already in place.

“Just as the injustices of climate change burn fiercely here in Africa, so do the opportunities,” he added.