Govt poised at addressing effects of climate change

Lands, Environment and Natural Resources Minister Mwansa Kapeya say government has taken the necessary steps to reduce damages which have come as a result of climate change in the country.

Mr. Kapeya notes that despite the progress government has made in addressing climate change issues, access to financial and technical support to implement adaptation and mitigation programmes have remained the biggest challenge.

He says climate change issues are affecting the socio economic development of the country and that the country is already experiencing climate induced hazards among them being droughts and floods.

Mr. Kapeya states that climate change thus threatens the attainment of the country’s vision 2030 and hence the need to address climate change.

He adds that the Government has to this effect put in place measures to reduce emissions through promotion of sustainable management of forests and enhancement of carbon sinks through national tree-planting and development of the REDD strategy.

Mr. Kapeya further adds that Zambia is also in the process of finalizing formulation of a national policy on climate change to provide guidance on how to grow the economy in a low carbon resilient and sustainable manner.