By Correspondent
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting both present and future generations from the escalating impacts of climate change.
It has since stepped up efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen national resilience.
The remarks were made by the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu.
Ndlovu was speaking at a high-level stakeholder consultation workshop to develop Zimbabwes next Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0).
She said the country is determined to reduce emissions while significantly enhancing its adaptive capacity to climate shocks.
“Our commitment to the Paris Agreement as a country ought to demonstrate more than just an international obligation.
“It must embody our determination to safeguard the survival and well-being of both the current and future generations, Dr Ndlovu said.
She noted that Zimbabwe is already grappling with the harsh realities of climate change.
These include prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, biodiversity loss, food insecurity and rising poverty levels.
These challenges, she stressed, demand a coordinated, inclusive and forward-looking national response.
Dr Ndlovu said the forthcoming NDC 3.0 must go beyond policy aspirations to deliver practical and implementable solutions that strengthen climate adaptation, boost mitigation efforts and support sustainable development.
New Climate Plan
As part of these efforts, she revealed that Zimbabwe has developed a National Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) Plan under a Climate and Clean Air Coalition-supported project.
The plan targets pollutants such as methane and black carbon.
These, although often overshadowed by carbon dioxide, play a major role in accelerating climate change and harming public health.
While these pollutants are not always given the same standing as other climate forcers such as carbon dioxide, reducing them is a necessary part of reaching global net zero and safeguarding human health, she said.
Dr Ndlovu added that implementing the SLCPs plan would deliver immediate co-benefits.
This would be most particular in urban areas where air pollution poses serious health risks.
By reducing short-lived climate pollutants, we improve air quality, enhance public health and contribute to the overall well-being of our communities”.
The two-day consultation brought together government officials, climate experts, researchers, development partners, civil society organisations and private sector representatives to jointly shape a shared vision for Zimbabwes climate future.
Outcomes from the discussions are expected to inform Zimbabwes enhanced NDC 3.0, which will be submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), outlining the countrys climate action priorities and targets for the coming decade.
