Launch of 2021 World Habitat Day: Minister Célistine Ketcha Courtes Calls for Collective Action for a Carbon-Free Cameroon

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development has called for a collective participation of all in the fight against carbon, and enhances the maintenance and preservation of urban spaces. Célestine Ketcha Courtes was talking during a press conference organised in Yaounde on Wednesday, September 29, on the occasion of the launch of activities ahead the 35th edition World Habitat Day to be hosted by Cameroon on October 4, 2021.

Placed under the theme “Accelerating Urban Action for a Carbon Free World,” this edition comes at a moment Cameroon is witnessing an increase in population and migration to cities is on a rise.

The commemoration of the day also comes at a moment when the world’s urban population has increased dramatically since the mid-twentieth century.  Between 1950 and today, the population of cities around the world has more than quadrupled with more than 4.2 billion people now living in urban areas,  according to the World Bank. 

At the same time, the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide, a key indicator of global warming, has increased by more than a third, almost as a result of human activity.  Today, cities account for around 75% of global energy consumption and are responsible for over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions. 

However ensuring that growing cities are compact and that expansion takes place in a planned manner to reduce their carbon footprint remains remains a challenge.

The way cities are planned, built and managed is key to reducing carbon emissions and limiting global. This is very essential, as towns and  cities are expected to add 2.5 billion more people over the next 30 years, according to UNDESA, bringing the proportion of people in urban areas from 55 percent today, to nearly 70 percent in  2050.

It is within this context that the minister has called on Cameroonians to join the United Nations Habitat and the global “Race to Zero”  campaign (ClimateAction4Cities) and the Waste Wise Cities Program (One Thousand and One Clean Cities in Waste) to limit the proliferation of carbon dioxide.

“During this day, the United Nations emphasize the fundamental right of all to adequate shelter and calls the attention of the International Community on its collective responsibility for the future of human habitat.  The World Habitat Day reminds the world that we all have the power and responsibility to reflect on the state of our cities and villages, and consequently, to shape the future,” the minister said.

In order to accelerate the Clean Cities campaign, and hygiene and sanitation competition has been launched in various cities, wherein the cleanest neighborhoods will be rewarded.

Among other activities to mark the week, thematic round tables on improving public hygiene and sanitation as well as the promotion of sustainable cities will be organized will take place at the habitat village opened at the Yaoundé town hall.

Compact cities also make the provision of basic services such as waste management, transport, energy, and water and sanitation more resource-efficient and financially sustainable.  UN-Habitat therefore promotes a strategy that combines compact urban planning with good governance and equitable provision of basic services.  Avoiding lethal urban sprawl also reduces stress on ecosystems, promotes a balanced coexistence between human settlements and nature, and helps prevent zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19.

It should be recalled that the commemoration of World Habitat Day is intended to highlight the importance of housing for all individuals and to promote policies and strategies of sustainable urban development, the guarantee of a better standard of living in an unprecedented global urbanization context. 

During this day, the United Nations emphasizes the fundamental right of all to decent housing and calls out to the international community on its collective responsibility for the future of human habitat.

The World Habitat Day scheduled in Cameroon is organized by the ministry of Housing and Urban Development, under the patronage of the head of state. Other key partners involved are ONU HABITAT, EASY GROUP, PNHG, MAETUR, MINPROMALO, SIC, ENEO, COMENCAM, DANGOTE, and HYSACAM among others.

Ingrid KENGNE