THIS WEEK, President Mnangagwa will be in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) not only as chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), but also leader of a developing country that has been disproportionately affected by climate change.
Zimbabwe, like many other countries in the region, is in the throes of a devastating El Niño-induced drought that has left about 7,7 million people food-insecure.
In addition to food insecurity, climate change has seriously affected water levels in Lake Kariba, which is critical for power generation for both Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Not surprisingly, electricity for both domestic and industrial use has been in short supply.
So, nowhere has the impact and effect of climate change been felt so keenly as in Zimbabwe, as in many countries around the world.
We all saw the recent devastating floods in Spain, which had claimed 223 lives by last week.
This underlines the fact that this phenomenon has evolved into a global crisis that requires immediate and collaborative action.
And this makes COP29 a crucial platform for countries to come together and negotiate strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
For Zimbabwe, it provides an opportunity to voice concerns and ensure its interests are represented and protected.
President Mnangagwa has been unequivocal in calling on developed countries to take responsibility for their historical contributions to greenhouse gas emissions and provide support to developing countries in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
“There is need for stronger international cooperation and collaboration in the response to these climate change-induced weather fluctuations. No country can adapt to or mitigate these impacts alone,” the President emphasised at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last year.
“The ambitious emissions reductions expected from developed countries are urgent and critical to prevent a climate catastrophe.”
So, in essence, COP29 presents an opportunity for developing countries to voice their concerns, negotiate for fair policies and collaborate with other nations to combat climate change effectively.
It is essential that the United Nations (UN) steers COP29 so that it becomes effective as a platform for dialogue, collaboration and action to secure a sustainable future for all.
But the job should not be left to the UN alone.
Representatives of developing countries such as government officials, non-governmental organisation representatives and climate activists must play a crucial role at COP29 in representing the interests of their nations.
Their contributions in negotiations, discussions and decision-making processes will be vital in shaping the outcomes of COP29, as they advocate sustainable development, climate resilience and meaningful climate action to protect the most vulnerable populations in developing countries.
Then there is the case of carbon credits.
These are a form of currency that represents the right to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide or equivalent greenhouse gas.
Companies and individuals can buy and sell carbon credits, allowing them to offset their emissions by funding emission reduction projects or investing in renewable energy sources.
The idea behind carbon credits is that they create a financial incentive for companies and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to lessening global greenhouse gas emissions.
Yet developing countries often face challenges in accessing the carbon market and securing funding for sustainable projects due to limited resources and capacity.
It is, therefore, important that COP29 addresses these barriers and ensures that developing countries have equal opportunities to benefit from carbon trading.
It has been known that the carbon market is prone to manipulation and fraud, especially by developed countries that are responsible for most of the emissions.
This can undermine its credibility and effectiveness.
On the other hand, developing countries face challenges in quantifying and verifying their emissions reductions, leading to uncertainty and potential disputes over the validity of carbon credits.
Additionally, there is a risk that carbon credits could be used as a way for developed countries to offset their emissions without making real cuts, ultimately delaying meaningful action on climate change.
Looking ahead, the future of carbon credits at COP29 and beyond will depend on the collective efforts of all countries to strengthen the carbon market and ensure its integrity.
Other developing countries can draw lessons from Zimbabwe, which is already walking the talk on carbon credits, having completed the development of its national carbon credit framework, which guides players, benefits communities and protects investors who wish to establish carbon trade-related projects in the country.
Zimbabwe is offering diverse opportunities for carbon trading in the energy sector through investments in solar, wind, mini-hydro and geothermal power generation. A landmark agreement with Blue Carbon of the UAE is set to further enhance the country’s nature-based carbon offset strategies.
Overall, individuals, communities, countries, regions and the globe should take discussions on climate change seriously, as they will likely determine the future and fate of humanity and the planet.
Climate action is urgent now more than ever
THIS WEEK, President Mnangagwa will be in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) not only as chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), but also leader of a developing country that has been disproportionately affected by climate change.
Zimbabwe, like many other countries in the region, is in the throes of a devastating El Niño-induced drought that has left about 7,7 million people food-insecure.
In addition to food insecurity, climate change has seriously affected water levels in Lake Kariba, which is critical for power generation for both Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Not surprisingly, electricity for both domestic and industrial use has been in short supply.
So, nowhere has the impact and effect of climate change been felt so keenly as in Zimbabwe, as in many countries around the world.
We all saw the recent devastating floods in Spain, which had claimed 223 lives by last week.
This underlines the fact that this phenomenon has evolved into a global crisis that requires immediate and collaborative action.
And this makes COP29 a crucial platform for countries to come together and negotiate strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
For Zimbabwe, it provides an opportunity to voice concerns and ensure its interests are represented and protected.
President Mnangagwa has been unequivocal in calling on developed countries to take responsibility for their historical contributions to greenhouse gas emissions and provide support to developing countries in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
“There is need for stronger international cooperation and collaboration in the response to these climate change-induced weather fluctuations. No country can adapt to or mitigate these impacts alone,” the President emphasised at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last year.
“The ambitious emissions reductions expected from developed countries are urgent and critical to prevent a climate catastrophe.”
So, in essence, COP29 presents an opportunity for developing countries to voice their concerns, negotiate for fair policies and collaborate with other nations to combat climate change effectively.
It is essential that the United Nations (UN) steers COP29 so that it becomes effective as a platform for dialogue, collaboration and action to secure a sustainable future for all.
But the job should not be left to the UN alone.
Representatives of developing countries such as government officials, non-governmental organisation representatives and climate activists must play a crucial role at COP29 in representing the interests of their nations.
Their contributions in negotiations, discussions and decision-making processes will be vital in shaping the outcomes of COP29, as they advocate sustainable development, climate resilience and meaningful climate action to protect the most vulnerable populations in developing countries.
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Then there is the case of carbon credits.
These are a form of currency that represents the right to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide or equivalent greenhouse gas.
Companies and individuals can buy and sell carbon credits, allowing them to offset their emissions by funding emission reduction projects or investing in renewable energy sources.
The idea behind carbon credits is that they create a financial incentive for companies and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to lessening global greenhouse gas emissions.
Yet developing countries often face challenges in accessing the carbon market and securing funding for sustainable projects due to limited resources and capacity.
It is, therefore, important that COP29 addresses these barriers and ensures that developing countries have equal opportunities to benefit from carbon trading.
It has been known that the carbon market is prone to manipulation and fraud, especially by developed countries that are responsible for most of the emissions.
This can undermine its credibility and effectiveness.
On the other hand, developing countries face challenges in quantifying and verifying their emissions reductions, leading to uncertainty and potential disputes over the validity of carbon credits.
Additionally, there is a risk that carbon credits could be used as a way for developed countries to offset their emissions without making real cuts, ultimately delaying meaningful action on climate change.
Looking ahead, the future of carbon credits at COP29 and beyond will depend on the collective efforts of all countries to strengthen the carbon market and ensure its integrity.
Other developing countries can draw lessons from Zimbabwe, which is already walking the talk on carbon credits, having completed the development of its national carbon credit framework, which guides players, benefits communities and protects investors who wish to establish carbon trade-related projects in the country.
Zimbabwe is offering diverse opportunities for carbon trading in the energy sector through investments in solar, wind, mini-hydro and geothermal power generation. A landmark agreement with Blue Carbon of the UAE is set to further enhance the country’s nature-based carbon offset strategies.
Overall, individuals, communities, countries, regions and the globe should take discussions on climate change seriously, as they will likely determine the future and fate of humanity and the planet.
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