Zambia wants Africa to push harder on its special needs, as world prepares for COP 28 in Dubai

There is need to push for Africa special needs and circumstances, as the world prepares for the Conference of All Parties 28 in United Arab Emirates.

This is according to Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary John Msimuko.

Msimuko indicated that Zambia would continue to push for Africa’s special needs and special circumstances during this year’s Conference of all parties 28 to be held in Dubai from November 30 to December 12,2023.

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Speaking at the African Group of Negotiators meeting in Livingstone on Sunday, Msimuko said there is need for a transformative agenda on adaptation at Cop28, which includes substantive outcome on the global goal on adaptation, decisions to enhance adaptation action and implementation.

“Adaptation remains our key priority as the African continent. adapting to the impacts of climate change is one of the key challenges that Africa is facing as our people, infrastructure and ecosystems continue to experience the climate shocks and economic distress,” He said.

Msimuko said this can be evidenced by the devastating floods being experienced in Malawi and Mozambique caused by the cyclone Freddy which has caused loss of life and investments.

He said the latest Science report by the Inter-Governmental panel on Climate Change has reported that Africa will need up to US$86.5 billion for adaptation alone by 2030.

Msimuko said the report has also established that Africa only contributes approximately four percent to the global greenhouse gas emissions.

Livingstone Mayor Constance Muleabai said climate change has continued to adversely affect the tourism and wildlife which the people of Livingstone heavily rely on.

Muleabai said due to increasing temperatures, the water levels in the Zambezi have drastically gone down which affected the water levels at the Victoria falls and has further led to lower numbers of tourists visiting the site.

“This means reduced incomes for the local communities that sale some of their products like souvenirs, curios, and local dishes to the tourist. therefore, making them more vulnerable and reducing their adaptive capacity,” She said.

Contributed by Augustine Sichula

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