Climate
-
Prevent veld fire to avert threat to the biophysical, social and economic environment
Stakeholders have been urged to prevent veld fires whose impacts are multifaceted and a threat to the biophysical, social and economic environment because of their trail of destruction that cuts across all sectors of the economy. Wildfires constitute 10% of the world’s emissions and nearly half of this is related to Southern Africa. In Southern…
-
The African Union and the African Risk Capacity Group launch the Gender and Disaster Risk Management Platform
To ensure the integration of gender equality and women empowerment issues in the disaster risk management (DRM) landscape, the African Union (AU) and the African Risk Capacity (ARC), have launched the Gender and Disaster Risk Management (DRM) platform. The new platform is expected to contribute to the development and management of knowledge on the issues…
-
Review of the Parks and Wildlife Act to foster natural resources conservation
Environment and tourism stakeholders had a consultative meeting in Harare yesterday to gather views on the review of the Parks and Wildlife Act [Chapter 20:14] to ensure that the Act meets the current needs of society whilst at the same time addressing a myriad of contemporary sector challenges. In his keynote address, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu,…
-
Food Relief Hampers: Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA) reaches out to communities
Cognisant of the fact that following COVID-19-induced hardships, most families in Zimbabwe are facing hunger and starvation, the Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA) is extending its giving hand by distributing food hampers to deserving families across the country. Speaking during the food distribution exercise in Chitungwiza on Monday 3 May 2021, Mr Can…
-
Young people’s needs and aspirations should be captured in the NDCs
Mr. Washington Zhakata, the Director in the Climate Change Management Department of the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry has underscored the need for young people’s needs and aspirations to be captured in the nationally determined contributions (NDCs). He made the statement in his opening remarks read by Mr. Lawrence Mashungu, a Climate…
-
Healthy Forests Are Key to ‘Building Back Better’: FAO
Healthy forests are key to “building back better”, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General QU Dongyu said last week in his video address to the high-level round table at the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF, 26-30 April 2021). In his remarks, the Director-General extolled the many virtues of forests, including ensuring people’s food security…
-
Somalia signs treaty, MOU with ARC to effectively address impacts of extreme weather events
The Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia has signed the Treaty and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Risk Capacity (ARC) to work together towards helping the country better prepare, plan and respond to extreme weather events and natural disasters. The ARC Treaty and MoU were signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia by…
-
The world needs a food movement based on agro-ecology and equity
by Pat Mooney The idea of a Food Systems Summit seemed timely when it was announced in 2019 by the World Economic Forum and the UN Secretary-General’s Office. But while the need was widely appreciated, the unorthodox proposal by Davos to expand “stakeholder capitalism” to encompass the United Nations alarmed some involved in the food movement.…
-
More Protected Areas Not the Solution to Climate Change: Survival International
While humanity is scrambling to prevent the cascading effects of climate change, a new global plan to turn 30% of the earth into environmental sanctuaries by 2030 is not the solution, according to Survival International. This is because protected areas often come at the expense of the land rights and livelihoods of indigenous peoples, Survival says.…
-
Earth Is Our Spaceship and We Are Its Crew
FAO’s new Goodwill Ambassador, astronaut Thomas Pesquet, calls us to act against climate change On 12 April 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first person to travel into space, completing one full orbit around Earth. For the first time ever, a human saw what our planet looked like from above. The planet he saw back then,…
-
Climate Crisis: More Than 700m Children Live in High-Risk Countries
An estimated 710 million children live in the 45 countries that are at the highest risk of suffering the impact of climate change, Save the Children warned yesterday. Floods, droughts, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events will have an especially deep impact on vulnerable children and their families. Children in these countries will for example…
-
The Inaugural IUCN Africa Protected Areas Congress Officially Relaunched
The congress will be convened by the Government of Rwanda, the International Union for Conservation of Nature – World Commission on Protected Areas, and the African Wildlife Foundation The Government of Rwanda will in March 2022 host the inaugural International Union for Conservation of Nature (www.IUCN.org) Africa Protected Areas Congress (APAC) to discuss conservation…
-
CCG supports the newly launched Rapid Response Facility: Financing Clean Energy
In preparation for COP26, the Energy Transition Council (ETC) has launched the Rapid Response Facility, an international and UK-funded initiative of £10million for 2021–2022 to support the transition away from fossil fuels towards clean energy. #CCG is a supporting partner. The RRF will assist developing countries with strategic planning, capacity building, and technical expertise to…
-
Africa: Climate Mapping Can Point to Danger Spots Where New Pest Threatens Africa’s Cycads
Cycads, the world’s oldest seed-producing plants, are facing extinction. Africa is home to a variety of cycad species and South Africa is regarded as a global hotspot for cycad diversity. One of the most prominent cycad taxa, the genus Encephalartos, is endemic to Africa and is categorised as “critically endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This…
-
Forests promote a green economy for sustainable development
Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu, the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry has underscored the important role that forests play in promoting a green economy to foster sustainable development. He made the remarks today on the graduation ceremony at the Forestry Industry Training Centre following the successful completion of Forestry training by 35 men and…
-
African presidents and global leaders support bold action on climate change adaptation for Africa
Africa now faces the dual onslaught of climate change – currently estimated at between $7 billion and $15 billion each year – and Covid-19, which has claimed 114,000 lives In a historic and united show of solidarity for a continent that contributes only 5% to global emissions, more than 30 heads of state and global…
-
ARDA, Agritex join hands in driving urban, climate-smart agriculture
The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) Seeds has collaborated with the Agricultural Technical and Extension Services (Agritex) to drive the uptake of urban and climate-smart agriculture. This came to the fore during a Maize Field Day meeting held at the Harare South Retreat at a plot owned by Mrs. Shamiso Marumisa that was presided…
-
Leaders’ Dialogue on Africa COVID-19 Climate Emergency on the cards
The African Development Bank and the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) will bring together African heads of state and government for a virtual Leaders’ Dialogue on the Africa Covid-Climate Emergency on Tuesday 6 April 2021. The African Development Bank and GCA are combining their expertise, resources and networks to develop and implement a bold new Africa…
-
Government reviews IEC technical standards
The Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry in conjunction with the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ), and Development partners (the UNDP and Tetratech) is reviewing International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) technical standards (TS) 62257-9-5 series in order to adopt them. Speaking to Spiked Online Media during a two-day…
-
CRAT Urges Farmers To Practice Sustainable Agriculture
The Climate Research and Advocacy Trust (CRAT), a non-profit making organisation that focuses on providing strategies that help communities to adapt and mitigate climate change has stressed the need to practice sustainable agriculture to ensure that environment and nature are being protected. This comes after the organisation has noted with deep concern how population increase…
-
Green banks, national climate funds mobilising funds for low-carbon, climate-resilient development
The African Development Bank and the Climate Investment Funds [CIF (https://bit.ly/3vSPNtq)] have joined forces (https://bit.ly/2OQ4QU9) to produce a study of the role of green banks and national climate change funds in mobilizing finance to support low-carbon, climate-resilient development in Africa. The ground-breaking study (https://bit.ly/2OY4mv7), released on Tuesday 23 March, is expected to underpin development of…
-
Deutsche Post DHL Group invests EUR 7 billion in climate-neutral logistics until 2030
By 2030, 80,000 e-vehicles shall be deployed for last-mile deliveries, resulting in 60% electrification of the fleet New sustainability roadmap defines ambitious sustainability targets; group decides on “Science-Based Targets” and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement; to this end, the Group will invest EUR 7 billion in climate-neutral…
-
Preserving, availing safe water critical in life: ZELA
By Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) Today is World Water Day which is running under the theme, ‘Valuing Water.’ This theme is significant as it puts on the spotlight the value of water in our daily lives. As we commemorate the day adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 22, 1992, we reflect…
-
Strengthening Food Systems Centre of Africa’s COVID-19 Recovery
Strengthening food systems must be an integral part of efforts to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and to build resilience in Africa, said African Development Bank Director General for Southern Africa, Leila Mokaddem. Hunger is a greater threat to many Africans than the COVID-19 crisis, Mokaddem said in a session on sustainable food systems at the Southern…
-
Are we on track for a Green Recovery? Not yet
The report, Are We Building Back Better? Evidence from 2020 and Pathways for Inclusive Green Recovery Spending, calls for governments to invest more sustainably and tackle inequalities as they stimulate growth in the wake of the devastation wrought by the pandemic. The most comprehensive analysis of COVID-19-related fiscal rescue and recovery efforts by 50 leading economies so far,…
-
How is climate change driving conflict in Africa?
In light of recent events, such as the mass kidnapping of the 343 schoolboys in Nigeria, the war in Tigray in the northernmost region of Ethiopia, as well as decades-long issues such as the Darfur war, the accumulating news headlines seems unequivocal: there is a growing link between climate change and conflict, and that link…
-
Stakeholders Skeptic Over Government’s Call for a National Wetlands Masterplan
By Tatenda Mujeyi Stakeholders are skeptical following the government’s proposed Wetlands Masterplan citing complacency, technical applicabilities, omniscient government’s role, and funding shortcomings amongst other challenges. The call by the government to establish a national wetland masterplan as announced in Cabinet this week has been labelled deceitful as key stakeholders have not been incorporated despite their…
-
2020/2021 seasonal rainfall impressive: Rural farmers
By Joyce Mukucha Following successive droughts over the past few years that negatively affected agricultural growth in Zimbabwe, farmers in rural areas are overwhelmed with joy because the rains have remained above normal throughout the country in the 2020 -2021 cropping season. Spiked Online Media conducted interviews with various farmers in different provinces who expressed…
-
Regional Climate Weeks Expected to Build Momentum of the Paris Climate Change Agreement Implementation
By Joyce Mukucha The UN Climate Change Secretariat recently announced Regional Climate Weeks in 2021 and 2022, key meetings that will help build regional momentum for the annual UN Climate Change Conferences and drive forward regional implementation of the Paris Climate Change Agreement. Regional Climate Weeks are open to all stakeholders as a ‘go-to’ hub…
-
UN Secretary General Calls upon Stakeholders to Conserve Forest Species
By Joyce Mukucha The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged governments, businesses, and people everywhere to work tirelessly in scaling up efforts to create awareness about flora and fauna as well as conserving so as to contribute to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He communicated this in his message on World Wildlife Day…
-
COVID-19 adversely impacts communities, local authorities’ capacity to conserve wildlife
COVID 19 has reduced the ability of the government, local authorities (Rural District Councils-RDCs) to fund the protection of wildlife and other natural resources from poaching, unsustainable exploitation and human-wildlife conflict, Hon Mangaliso Ndlovu, the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry has said. He made the remarks during the hand over of equipment…
-
New Tafara residents battling persistent flooding
Herzel Mushayabasa Floods have become the new normal for residents living in New Tafara in the capital Harare as their houses are flooded during the rainy season. The flooding began when the nation started to experience heavy rainfall patterns in mid-January. In an interview with this publication, one of the residents, Blah Rocks said, “We…
-
Minister Ndlovu outlines Zimbabwe’s climate change development agenda
Taking into consideration the fact that climate change is real and continues to have adverse impacts on the African continent and Zimbabwe in particular, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu, the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry has outlined a development agenda in response to the phenomenon. He made the remarks virtually in his Keynote Address…
-
Farmers’ role in mitigating the impact of climate change
There is a need for farmers to plant better seeds that can thrive in the changing climate, Dr Edward Mungai has said. The Kenya Climate Innovation Center CEO told Spice FM that the time has come for farmers to play their role in mitigating the impact of climate change. Further, he added that the use…
-
Communicate Developments on Wetlands Remapping: EMA urged
Following the delay by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to formally announce progress on a new national policy to protect wetlands and ecosystems, the Manyame Conversation Trust – a conservational mouthpiece that advocates the preservation of water sources, said it supports the Government’s new policy on wetlands but at the same time is worried about…
-
COVID-19: Southern Africa faces food insecurity, calls for solidarity gain momentum
The SADC Regional Vulnerability Committee Chair, António Pacheco Dias Lima on 22 February 2021 called on member states, to find ways to share success stories, opportunities, and progress captured in the national Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis to inform food security interventions as the region battles COVID-19 and record high levels of food insecurity Dias Lima…
-
Netherlands advocates for good stewardship of the planet and environment
By Joyce Mukucha The Netherlands’s Environment Minister, Stientje van Veldhoven-van der Meer has stressed the need to seriously take care of the planet and environment. That country is a strong supporter of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in policy, programme and funding. In a statement, Stientje van Veldhoven-van der Meer said environmental stewardship can…
-
Include Us in Climate Change Mitigation Programmes: Youths in Rural Areas
By Joyce Mukucha Climate change has become one of the most pressing global issues worldwide today with various countries including Zimbabwe making concerted efforts on stipulating their own environmental laws in order to minimize the effects of the global phenomenon. As Zimbabwe is making huge strides through government, environmental organisations, Civil Society Organisations, Church-Based Organisations…
-
UNEP ‘Making Peace with Nature’ Report Launched
By Joyce Mukucha As the fifth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) is just around the corner, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen officially launched a new report, ‘Making Peace with Nature’ which is a scientific blueprint to tackle the climate, biodiversity and pollution emergencies. During an online press briefing on…
-
New Board Chairpersons Appointed for Forestry Commission and Zimparks
By Joyce Mukucha The Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry has appointed new board chairpersons for Forestry Commission and Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority (Zimparks). The Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu has announced the appointment of Mrs Veronica Gundu Jakarasi as the Forestry Commission Board Chairperson…
-
Government launches the construction of Cyclone Idai Transitional Shelters in Chimanimani and Chipinge
Under the project, Enhancing Multi-Sectoral Assistance to Cyclone Idai Affected Populations in Zimbabwe, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is supporting the Government of Zimbabwe with the provision of transitional shelters to 674 households affected by Cyclone Idai in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts. Among households receiving transitional shelter, assistance is 224 from three formal camps…
-
Government capacitates agricultural extension officers
By Joyce Mukucha In the quest to improve agricultural productivity, the government is in the process of disbursing motorcycles and mobile tablets to the extension officers. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr John Basera told the media that the provision of extension services will play a crucial role in terms of transforming…
-
Pathways to faster decarbonization with gas and renewables
The power sector accounts for up to 41 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions today, with Africa contributing about 2-3%. In parallel, there are still over 580 million people on the continent who do not have access to reliable energy and the demand for electricity is expected to continue to grow as populations increase, industrialization…
-
All Set for UNEA Fifth Session
By Joyce Mukucha The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), the highest decision-making body on environmental issues is set to commence its 5th Session, virtually from the 22nd to the 26th of February 2021. This session is preceded by the Open-Ended Committee of Permanent Representatives (OEPCR) to which Zimbabwe is a party to which is kick-starting…
-
Government Targeting 2 million Metric Tonnes of Maize
Following the millions of hectares that were repossessed by the black majority during the land reform programme, the Government has assured the nation that there will be sufficient maize through the food self sufficiency programmes. The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement, Dr. Anxious Masuka said this year, the nation will have…