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Climate change strategy launched |
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Thursday, 19 November 2015 16:45 |
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 Today Zimbabwe joined in the rest of the world in launching the fight against climate change by coming up with the national climate change response strategy at a conference held in Harare.
The policy is expected to provide a framework for a comprehensive and strategic approach to the aspects of climate adaptation, mitigation, technology and finance, among other cross cutting issues.
Launching the National Climate Change Strategy, Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa said government remain committed to mobilise finance for a climate change projects mainly in rural areas.
"Climate change has also resulted in reduced in-flows into our dams, thereby compromising the quantity of water available for irrigation purposes and other uses," said Cde Mnangagwa.
He challenged traditional chiefs, who are the custodians of the 70 percent of the country's population, to protect the environment by making sure communities desist from cutting down trees, river bank cultivation and starting veld fires.
Issues of erratic rainfall patterns, extreme temperatures, drought and flooding took centre stage at the conference with delegates calling for the developed countries to own up to their historical responsibilities and finance climate change projects such as irrigation.
Environment, Water and Climate Minister, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said low rainfall patterns experienced over the years have caused the depletion of water bodies in the region, threatening electric energy generation and impacting negatively on food security.
"The government will ensure the national climate change response strategy is implemented to benefit a number communities," she said.
The climate change conference, which brought together all stakeholders on climate, was also meant to prepare a common position on climate change that will be incorporated into the African position to be endorsed at the 21st conference of parties (Cop21) in France from 30 November to 11 December.
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