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Vice President & Regional Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute environment leader Wanjira Mathai will advise the UK on Africa’s climate ambitions ahead of the next round of global climate change talks in 2021.

Ms. Wanjira Mathai, the daughter to the environment champion the late Wangari Maathai, will be part of an elite panel of 25 experts from multiple global sectors – whose advice will be critical to the success of the UK’s CoP26 Presidency.

As CoP26 President, in partnership with Italy, the UK is committed to championing Africa and Kenya’s climate needs, including by focusing on adaptation and resilience and facilitating access to climate finance.

In the run-up to November 2021, the UK as hosts will continue to work with Kenya on her priorities to increase climate action, build resilience, and lower emissions.

Kenya is already a world leader on clean energy, with most of the country’s power coming from renewables like wind, solar and geothermal.

While speaking during the World Environment day on Saturday, the British High Commissioner Jane Marriot said focus on climate change should not be forgotten even during the COVID-19 crisis.

“With the new dates for CoP26, Kenya and the UK will continue to stand together, using the best of our ingenuity, including through champions like Wanjira Mathai, to seize the opportunities of a brighter, greener future together,” said Ms Marriott.

Ms Wanjira said COVID-19 has created vulnerability and new willingness to engage on political commitment.

“Today, as celebrating biodiversity, the natural environment is all we have to cushion us from future shocks. The recovery process will have challenges, but we must build back greener, not through business as usual,” she said.