Minister Mposha Calls for Partnership with EAZ to Combat Climate Change
Hon. Mike Elton Mposha, MP, Minister of Green Economy and Environment, has emphasized the need for a close partnership between the Ministry and the Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) to address climate change, environmental protection, and the transition to a green economy.
The minister’s remarks came during a courtesy visit by EAZ President Dr. Oswald Mungule and other board members in Lusaka.
Hon. Mposha highlighted the severe economic impact of climate change on Zambia, calling for collaborative efforts to make the economy more resilient to climate-induced shocks.
“The effects of climate change have a huge negative impact on the country’s economic outlook,” he said. “We must jointly implement activities to make the economy resilient to climate change shocks, which the country is currently experiencing.”
In response to the climate-induced drought crisis, President Hakainde Hichilema declared the drought a national disaster and emergency on February 29, 2024. The government has since formulated a national emergency response plan comprising immediate, short-term, and long-term measures.
“The response to this challenge requires concerted efforts, and the role that you are playing is important,” Hon. Mposha told the EAZ delegation. He outlined the government’s policy framework to address climate change, including the National Policy on Climate Change, National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and Green Growth Strategy.
He also mentioned the forthcoming Climate Change Bill, which aims to create a robust legal framework to prevent climate change from undermining development efforts.
Dr. Mungule assured the minister of EAZ’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry on various initiatives, including disseminating information about opportunities in the green economy sector. “The EAZ stands ready to contribute to making Zambia resilient to climatic changes,” Dr. Mungule said.
The meeting was also attended by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Dr. Douty Chibamba and other directors.
The EAZ is set to host a National Economic Summit 2024 on Thursday and Friday under the theme: “Navigating Zambia’s Green Economic Transformation: Integrating Climate Change and Debt Refinancing Head Winds.”
The summit will provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange views and develop strategies to overcome the climate change-induced crisis.
