dyton mupawaenda
Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe’s participation at the United Nations Climate Conference (COP28), led by President Mnangagwa, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, allowed the country to showcase climate adaptation initiatives by the Second Republic, especially through climate-proofed agriculture.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said this while speaking after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting.
Dr Muswere said key issues discussed at COP28 included the Loss and Damage Fund, which generated initial pledges of US$549 million, surpassing the targeted US$400 million, which is aimed at helping vulnerable countries cope with the impact of climate change.
The UAE announced the creation of a new private investment fund towards climate solutions, starting with a contribution of US$30 billion, India offered to host COP33 in 2028, more than 110 countries committed to triple renewable energy and double efficiency by 2030.
Dr Muswere said the first Global Stocktake would be a critical assessment of progress towards meeting the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1,5°C and course correction will be needed to reset climate ambition and action.
“In his intervention during the opening segment, His Excellency the President highlighted that Zimbabwe continued to suffer from the negative impacts of climate change, with the illegal sanctions imposed on the country hindering mitigation efforts,” said Dr Muswere.
“He underlined that the efforts of developing countries must be supported by equity and justice.
“Cabinet noted that His Excellency, the President, successfully participated at the COP 28, which offered Zimbabwe an opportunity to advance its engagement and re-engagement agenda.
“The Conference of Parties allowed Zimbabwe to showcase various adaptation initiatives that the Second Republic is implementing, especially through climate-proofed agriculture,” said Dr Muswere.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Ambassador Frederick Shava reiterated that Zimbabwe and the rest of the developing world had not contributed much to carbon emissions.
Minister Shava said the country had a lot of sunlight, growing lithium potential and hydro capacity which will see further reduced carbon emissions.
“Zimbabwe has not contributed much to the pollution of our atmosphere by the limited use of coal,” said Minister Shava.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said the country was welcoming investments in carbon reduction.
He talked of the climate proofed agriculture programme which Government is doing.
“So anyone who needs to reduce a carbon footprint is free to strike deals with Zimbabwe is free,” said Prof Ncube.
“The Pfumvudza climate proofed agriculture is really impacting positively to women and children on the issues of climate change.”
Online Reporter