Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe,Zimpapers Business Hub
Zimbabwe has distinguished itself as the only African country to fully comply with one of the Paris Agreement’s key provisions by submitting its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), a senior Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife official has revealed.
Speaking during the ongoing two-day Local Authorities Indaba on carbon trading markets in Bulawayo, Acting Director for Climate Change Management, Mr Lovemore Dhoba, described Zimbabwe’s commitment as exemplary.
“Zimbabwe remains a shining beacon in Africa,” he said.
NDCs are a core component of the Paris Agreement, requiring signatory countries to regularly update and enhance their climate action plans.
They outline national commitments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, with each revision expected to reflect increased ambition.
Zimbabwe first submitted its NDC in 2015, committing to a 33 percent reduction in GHG emissions.
In 2021, this ambition was raised by seven percentage points, with a revised target of a 40 percent reduction.
“Then, recently, on the 10th of February, we also revised that and updated and submitted what we call our Nationally Determined Contribution card statement, which basically was an indication of our intention to raise our ambition around emission reduction,” said Mr Dhoba.
He explained that the latest update signals Zimbabwe’s intent to mobilise resources for wide consultations, which will inform a comprehensive full NDC document.
“So, we have already submitted and I am here to report to all the local authorities and ministers that Zimbabwe was the only country in Africa to submit,” he told delegates including Environment minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu and minisyer of State for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Cde Judith Ncube.
Stressing the country’s early start, he noted: “What you will then realise as you check these nationally determined contributions is that we started early with a 33 percent per capita greenhouse gas emission reduction beyond the business-as-usual scenario in 2015.”
Mr Dhoba reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s unwavering stance on climate change mitigation.
“In Zimbabwe, we are aligned to the challenges of climate change. We are aligned to the fact that climate change is a problem. And we stand together with other countries to invest in greenhouse gas emission reduction. So, we are doing that through the Nationally Determined Contribution,” he said.
Zimbabwe is not only strengthening its commitment to the Paris Agreement but also creating a model for other nations seeking to merge climate action with economic opportunity, delegates said
