Zim MPs in Colombia to tackle climate change

Zvamaida Murwira

Senior Reporter

Members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment and Climate are in Cali, Colombia, attending the United Nations Conference on Biological Diversity which seeks to find solutions to the pressing environmental issues that include climate change, habitat destruction, and species loss.
Southern African countries, including Zimbabwe, are grappling with the effects of climate change which has resulted in low rainfall that has since seen subdued agricultural output, making the conference critical for Harare in exploring solutions related to such environmental challenges.

The legislators led by its chairperson, Cde Sam Matema are expected to tell the Zimbabwean story at the conference on its effort to. preserve flora and fauna and will also play a huge role in international environmental diplomacy.

In an interview, Cde Matema said the conference was critical in addressing biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and desertification which has led to dire social, economic, and environmental consequences.

“Equally important there is also need to mainstream environmental discourse towards Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) reporting to all levels of society,” he said.

“This approach highlights the interconnectedness between human activities and the environment together with the need for a comprehensive, long-term approach to address climate change and other environmental challenges.

“As countries around the world face the increasing impact of climate change and environmental degradation, ESG reporting provides a framework for businesses to measure and disclose their environmental social and Governance performance thereby promoting accountability in their operations.”