By BENEDICT TEMBO
ZAMBIA has pledged to rally African countries and voices to seek climate justice at COP-27 in Sharma Sheikh, Egypt.
Ministry of Green Economy and Environment permanent secretary John Msimuko said Africa must unapologetically demand for the US$100 billion per annum pledge to be fulfilled by the developed world. “We must demand that the developed world undertake ambitious mitigation to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save our planet,” Mr Msimuko said.
During the launch of the African Climate Justice Torch Tour of Zambia in Lusaka, Mr Msimuko said there is need to underscore Africa’s special needs and circumstances and focus on adaptation to build the resilience of our people.
“Let us go to COP-27 with one loud voice that the rest of the world will have no option but to hear. Let us seek and obtain justice for the climate crisis,” he said
At the meeting being attended by representatives of regional Pan African Climate Justice Alliance networks, Mr Msimuko said Africa is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which pose a major threat to sustainable development aspirations of the continent outlined in the African Union Vision 2063.
“Climate change has led to adverse effects such as droughts, floods and extreme temperatures and affected by key sectors including energy, agriculture, water and forestry, adversely impacting on food and water security, water quality, energy and livelihoods of our people, especially those residing in rural communities across Africa, “Mr Msimuko said. Lusaka mayor Chilando Chitangala said Lusaka has not been spared by the effects of climate change due to the droughts and floods.
Ms Chitangala said peri-urban areas are the most affected by droughts and floods.
