NEW DAWN GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE, MINISTER OF GREEN ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT HON COLLINS NZOVU SAYS
…as Members of Parliament attends Orientation Workshop for climate change
LUSAKA…October 6, 2021 (SmartEagles)
GOVERNMENT has said it is committed to making Zambia a global beacon for environmental sustainability and a champion of the green economy.
Minister of Green Economy and Environment Hon Collins Nzovu has said it was for that reason that the New Dawn government under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema appreciated the need to build capacity for tackling climate change.
Hon Nzovu said capacity building for tackling climate change would have a particular focus on women, youths and marginalized communities.
The minister said this when he officiated at the Parliamentary Orientation Workshop on Climate Change by the Humanistisch Instituut voor Ontwikkelingssamenwerking (HIVOS) and World-wide Fund for Nature with participation from various Members of Parliament.
“Working with cooperating partners, the New Dawn government is championing stronger resilience building against climate vulnerabilities through various programs such as Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) and Strengthening climate resilience of agricultural livelihoods in agro-ecological regions in Zambia among others,” Hon Nzovu said.
He added that if not tackled with the urgency it deserves, climate change threatened to increase the frequency and severenity of natural disasters in Zambia.
Hon Nzovu said Zambia is currently witnessing more frequent severe weather events and predictable rainfall patterns and causing droughts and floods in various localities.
“Our governement recognised that an inconsistent burden from these events is being carried by the poorest and most vulnerable of our people, in communities which lack the means to adapt to what is happening,” he added.
The minister further stressed that adequate efforts and finances are needed for adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable development overall.
“Tackling climate change presents our beautiful country with opportunities for green growth and jobs, new sources of exports, and stimulation of trade and innovation,” Hon Nzovu added.
Speaking earlier at the same event, Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA) Country Engagement Manager for HIVOS William Chilufya said there was need for a new approach that connects diverse people where they are recognised to transform the climate agenda.
Mr Chilufya added that HIVOS wanted to work with the grassroots to come up with solutions to climate change that are fundable.
The Parliamentary Orientation Workshop was attended by various Members of Parliament also included presentations based on climate change situational analysis, policy and legal framework for Zambia and the role of MPs in addressing climate change as well as the 2021 budget expectations for climate change.
