Climate change is now threat to food security – Catholic Bishops

Catholic Bishops have observed that Climate change in Zambia has become a threat to food security

The Bishops have noted that Climate change impacts are expected to reduce agricultural productivity, stability and incomes in many areas that already experience high levels of food insecurity.

In a communiqué read by Archbishop of Lusaka Telesphore Mpundu following the Conference on Laudato SI under the theme “care for our common home in the context of large scale investment-mining and agriculture”, the Bishop note that with climate change affecting agricultural productivity and growing populations demanding more food, it will be crucial for Government to preserve and share genetic resources to ensure food security.

The Bishops say urgent and ambitious action is therefore imperative if the country is to prevent dangerous climate change that threatens to cause enormous human suffering, undermine economic progress and poverty reduction, and trigger potentially catastrophic environmental changes.

Telesphore Mpundu

They note that the country cannot win the battle against climate change without the indigenous and scientific knowledge, raise awareness and public education on Climate change in the community.

The Catholic Bishops have also noted the need for government to implement policies that protect the environment and refrain from developing cold feet every time there are vested interest in mining and agriculture investments.

Meanwhile Bishop Mpundu has appealed to relevant institutions such as the Zambia Environment Management Agency to exercise their mandate and provide information to those affected especially displaced communities as a result of mining.

Speaking at the same event president of the pontifical council for justice and peace Cardinal Peter Turkson urged governments to recognize the “ethical and moral dimensions of climate change.

Cardinal Turkson has also called for decisions that place people above profits.