Zambia Urges Global Investment in Scientific Research to Address Planetary Crises
Hon. Eng. Collins Nzovu MP, Minister of Green Economy and Environment, has called upon the global community to increase investment in scientific and technological research to tackle the triple planetary crises.
Speaking at the Sixth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA6), Hon. Nzovu emphasized the importance of building strong political ambition and fostering collaborations to deliver effective, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral actions.
Addressing the assembly under the theme “Effective, Inclusive, and Sustainable Multilateral Actions to Tackle Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution,” Hon. Nzovu highlighted the urgency of the situation.
He pointed out the severe consequences of climate change, including the ongoing drought in Zambia, which threatens food, water, and energy security not only in the country but also in the Southern African region.
Referring to a recent special report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Hon. Nzovu underscored the alarming extent of the planetary crisis, exacerbated by geopolitical conflicts, hunger, and disease burdens.
He emphasized that human activities have significantly altered the Earth’s ecosystems, endangering the very foundation of human survival.
To address these challenges, Hon. Nzovu stressed the need for concerted efforts, leadership, and creativity in managing nature. He called on UNEA to continue serving as a global forum for urgent action on pressing environmental issues, offering transformative solutions in an effective, inclusive, and sustainable manner.
Highlighting Zambia’s commitment to global environmental stewardship, Hon. Nzovu cited the country’s leadership in negotiations on climate change at COP28 in Dubai.
He also mentioned Zambia’s alignment of its Second National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, demonstrating its dedication to biodiversity protection and sustainable resource use.
In conclusion, Hon. Nzovu urged all parties to unite in fulfilling commitments to protect the planet by investing in nature and mitigating the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on livelihoods and ecosystems. He reiterated Zambia’s call for increased investment in scientific research, stronger political ambition, and enhanced collaborations to address the triple planetary crises effectively.
