Govt on private sector to help address climate change effects

Government has noted the need for increased private sector participation in addressing the effects of climate change and reducing on greenhouse gas emissions.

Speaking at the green investment conference in Lusaka, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Jean Kapata says mitigation actions to achieve Zambia’s aspirations of addressing climate change can only be realized through partnerships with relevant stakeholders which include the private sector, financial institutions and cooperating partners.

Ms. Kapata says in order to engage the private sector in addressing climate change issues, government has organized the green investment conference with the aim of enhancing potential investment opportunities that will help finance programs aimed at mitigating effects of climate change.

She states that such engagements will not only contribute to reduction in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that cause global warming, but will also enhance economic growth.

Ms Kapata says government has a limited resource envelope to shoulder the whole responsibility of mitigating effects of climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in various sectors.

Speaking earlier, United Nations Development Program Country Director Mandisa Mashologan has noted the need for the central government, provincial, district and administrators of cities and towns to work in close collaboration with the private sector in climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives.

The two days conference is being held under the theme “green investment financing and technical innovation for low carbon future”.