By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Climate change is affecting every country in the world, disrupting national economies, affecting lives and livelihoods, especially amongst the most vulnerable in society.
In his opening remarks at a two-day workshop a follow-up to the COP26 with focus on the role of media in reporting climate change and national climate action, Interim UN Resident Coordinator, Dr Alex Casasira, said Climate change was contributing to extreme weather patterns the world is experiencing, exacerbating threats such as food and water scarcity, threats to public health as well as increasing risks of conflict.
“The media in Zimbabwe has played a very key role in the national response to COVID-19 pandemic.
“Indeed the media continues to play this role, including at this time when the country faces threat of more transmissible variants, and a risk of escalation of transmission associated with the festive season,” he said.
Dr Casasira called on the media to bringing issues of climate change to the public space for collective action.
“It is most commendable to recognize that the Government of Zimbabwe has established an inter-ministerial committee to oversee implementation of the resolutions of COP26,” he said.
“It is through stronger partnerships and collaborations that we can realize our goals, and create a safer world for generations to come.”
The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly known as COP26 was held from 31 October to 13 November 2021, brought countries together to discuss urgent issues of climate change and action.
COP26 was held at a time when the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The travel bans and economic slowdowns that were associated with the first year of the pandemic were expected to contribute to a drop in greenhouse emissions.
“But this drop was only transient. As the global economy recovered, emissions returned to higher levels.
“Saving lives and livelihoods requires urgent action to address both the pandemic and the climate emergency,” he said.
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