adminIvan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwean authorities need to collaborate as they take climate change seriously and make sure the country puts together and implements the required collaborative policies to alleviate the change, the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, through the National Ozone Unit, has said.
Besides climate change and rising temperatures, largely caused by rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere although there are other greenhouse gases, there has also been damage to the ozone layer, which protects the surface from damaging ultraviolet light, and that damage caused by emissions of ozone depleting substances, especially the hydro-fluorocarbons once ubiquitous in refrigeration, air conditioners and aerosol cans, and still in use in many older items of equipment.
In a speech read on his behalf on a training workshop on controlling and monitoring trade of ozone depleting substances and hydro-fluorocarbons, Secretary for Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Ambassador Raphael Faranisi said Zimbabwe had remained in compliance with the Montreal Protocol provisions and immensely contributed to the global efforts to save the ozone layer and combat climate change.
“We all have a role to play in the preservation of the ozone layer and combating climate change,” he said.
“Global challenges such as the depletion of the ozone layer and global warming will not be solved by any one Ministry working in isolation. We need collaborative efforts to address these challenges.”
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority training officer Mr Desmond Jaka said people were living in an era where climate change was a topical issue.
“Disasters are occurring all over the world because of climate change which is caused by ozone depleting substances and hydro-fluorocarbons,” he said.
“It is the responsibility of each citizen to manage these issues are that are causing climate change.
“We are working with the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry to control the import of ozone depleting substances and other restricted goods.”
United Nations consultant from Kenya, Mr John Bisonga said Zimbabwe must continue to ensure compliance to international obligations under the Montreal Protocol.
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