The University of Zambia UNZA School of Natural and Applied Sciences has noted that addressing the pressing issues around climate change needs concerted effort in order for the country to achieve climate compatible growth.
School Dean Olearns Mfune said climatic stresses and shocks have exposed the weak adaptive capacity and unpreparedness to tackle devasting effects of climate change, and concerted effort is needed to address the complex challenges.
Dr Mfune said the current geo politics around climate change is taking a new shape, but that this should not weaken the resolve important matters around the issue.
He was speaking during the fourth Zambia Climate Compatible Growth CCG fourth annual workshop hosted at Legacy Resort in Chongwe.
Dr Mfune said UNZA is committed to fostering an environment where research, innovation and collaboration thrives, in an effort to address the pressing issues around climate change.
He said collaboration with the climate compatible growth is a testament to this commitment which is expected to advance climate compatible growth and support the development of solutions that will see the country develop more sustainably.
He said local contextual solutions are needed to ensure communities develop resilience and improve adaptive capacities to climate change.
He is hopeful that through such collaboration, Zambia will achieve a sustainable future for its people through improved resilience to climatic stresses.
And government has acknowledged that climate financing remains key towards ensuring the country builds a resilient economy that supports current and future generations to ensure sustainable growth.
Speaking at the same meeting, Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary Doubty Chibamba said many mitigation and adaptation projects and programs are being implemented but require financing.
Dr Chibamba said to achieve mitigation and adaptation of climate change under international agreements, financing is key towards strengthening energy systems with the current challenges in the sector.
Dr Chibamba was speaking in a speech read on his behalf by ministry Director Human Resource, Raniford Simumbwe.
And British High Commission Climate and Environment Advisor Nikolaus Mason-Clemenz said partnerships and collaboration on such matters are important for impactful outcomes that will benefit future generations.
He said collaboration across sectors will have a lasting effect that will translate to a more sustainable future for Zambia.
