Zimbabwe Introduces Climate Change Bill to Tackle Mounting Environmental Challenges
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr. Sithembiso Nyoni, has urged the public to work together for a climate-resilient future in Bulawayo Province, highlighting the urgency of combating climate change and its obligations under the UN framework.
Represented by the Director of Climate Change Management, Washington Zhakata on 25 July during the Climate change draft bill, Minister Nyoni, stressed the significance of inclusive participation, emphasising the need to include diverse perspectives to create a platform for shared knowledge and experiences. By doing so, the province can harness collective wisdom and ensure that all sectors are involved in the decision-making process.
“The climate crisis is transforming our world, with grave implications for the rights and well-being of both the current and future generations,” Dr. Nyoni declared.
She added, “This Provincial-level stakeholder engagement and consultation serves as a platform for collaboration, dialogue, and collective action as we tackle the climate crisis.”
The Minister’s words resonated with the attendees, who listened intently as she outlined the devastating impacts of climate change that Bulawayo Province has already experienced, including prolonged droughts that have severely impacted agricultural productivity, livelihoods, and overall well-being.
“The Province has been affected by limited water availability, leaving our food security, water provision to residents and economic stability at great risk,” Dr. Nyoni said, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The highlight of the event was the discussion surrounding the draft Climate Change Management Bill and the province’s potential in carbon trading. Nyoni emphasised the transformative power of carbon trading in supporting the province’s climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
“As you are aware, carbon trading holds immense potential in supporting our climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, especially in meeting our emission reduction obligations under the Paris Agreement,” Nyoni explained.
She added, “Through this process, we aim to gather perspectives that will inform the design and implementation of effective carbon trading mechanisms in Bulawayo Province.”
The Minister went on to highlight that these carbon trading mechanisms would create economic incentives for emission reductions, promote sustainable practices, and contribute significantly to the province’s climate change goals.
During a side interview with the Director of Climate Change Management, Washington Zhakata, he revealed the government’s reasons for introducing the bill and the dire need for action. He highlighted that Zimbabwe had never had a climate change act before, but instead had various policies and strategies in place to tackle the issue.
Zhakata explained, “The magnitude of impacts is really so subordinate that it requires engine action with respect to the various sectors, the agricultural sector, the forestry sector, even education itself and water resources among others.”
He further emphasised the urgent need for climate action, citing the recent devastating cyclones, such as cyclone Idai which left a trail of destruction, loss of lives, properties, and infrastructure.
The impacts of climate change have been witnessed through extreme weather events, including cyclones and droughts, which have become more frequent and intense. The country has experienced bridges being repeatedly swept away by floods, schools with roofs ripped off, and a constant need for repairs. This highlights the lack of climate-proofed infrastructure and investments.
In addition to the local impacts, Zimbabwe also has obligations as a signatory to the Paris Agreement and other multilateral environmental agreements. Each nation is obligated to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in various sectors, including energy, waste, agriculture, and industry. Non-compliance with these agreements may result in international sanctions and repercussions.
Zhakata stressed the importance of taking these obligations seriously and finding ways to address them.
“The country really needs to come to a conflict here that will ensure climate resilience and at the same time, the country is growing economically along the low-emission trajectory,” he said.
The new Climate Change Bill aims to address these issues by providing a framework for effective climate change response and adaptation measures. It will ensure that the country’s sectors, including agriculture, forestry, education, and water resources, are equipped to withstand the impacts of climate change.
As the government takes this important step towards climate resilience, it is expected that the Climate Change Bill will receive support from various stakeholders. However, challenges may arise during its implementation, as it requires significant financial resources and the cooperation of all sectors.
With the introduction of the Climate Change Bill, Zimbabwe is sending a clear message that it is committed to addressing climate change and fulfilling its international obligations. This proactive approach could position the country as a leader in climate action within the region, while also safeguarding its people and resources from the damaging effects of climate change.
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