Staff Writer
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating the devastating effects of climate change and building a resilient future.
Speaking at the Second Climate Change and Development Conference in Zimbabwe, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga said the southern African nation is committed to reducing vulnerability and creating an enabling environment for climate change mainstreaming.
“Our National Climate Change Adaptation Plan is a testament to this commitment. Adapting to climate change is a priority, especially given the increased occurrence of extreme weather events such as droughts and floods that devastate our vulnerable regions of Manicaland, Masvingo, and Matabeleland,” he said.
Chiwenga said the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan identifies the need to effectively mainstream climate change in key socio-economic sectors vulnerable to climate change.
An estimated US$10.3 billion is required between now and 2030 to climate-proof different sectors of the economy through interventions such as climate-smart agriculture, enhanced water harvesting, and strengthened early warning systems.
He said the adverse effects are already evident in communities with droughts, floods, and extreme weather events that continue to undermine their livelihoods and well-being.
“Climate change is not merely an environmental challenge; it is a multifaceted crisis that jeopardises our health, economy, and the social fabric. It disrupts food systems, threatens water security, and exacerbates existing inequalities, particularly for our most vulnerable populations,” he said.
He said in response to the challenges, there is a need to enhance and accelerate climate action through strategic planning, focused investment, and win-win collaboration.
Chiwenga said a critical area of focus in the conference discussions is the intersection of climate change and public health.
“Rising temperatures and extreme weather events pose significant health risks, including heat-related illnesses and the spread of vector-borne diseases. To strategise for a healthier future, we must prioritise initiatives that protect community health and ensure access to essential services,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of Climate Change Adaptation, stating that experts are going to help review the national strategies as outlined in the Zimbabwe National Climate Change Adaptation Plan, aiming to enhance community resilience and inclusively address local vulnerabilities.
Chiwenga highlighted the importance of confronting challenges in climate policy and governance, identifying gaps and propose actionable solutions to strengthen institutional frameworks.
The Vice President stated that empowering the youth is vital, as their perspectives on climate action will shape a resilient future.
He outlined a comprehensive plan that includes ambitious targets, strategic investments, and innovative solutions to address the country’s vulnerability to the climate crisis.
He said Zimbabwe stands firm in its resolve to be a proactive and responsible member of the global community.
Chiwenga said the Paris Agreement, ratified in 2017, binds Zimbabwe to a collective effort to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C and, if possible, to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Zimbabwe, through its revised Nationally Determined Contribution, has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% per capita by 2030, relative to the business-as-usual scenario.
The Vice President said the Long Term-Low Emissions Development Strategy and the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan are vital tools for achieving the country’s climate goals.
During the event, Chiwenga launched the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan, anchored by the Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy and the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan.
He also launched the Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy, the Nationally Determined Contribution Investment Framework, and the Green Resilient Recovery Strategy.
