Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing issues in Zambia affecting socio economic development. The country is already experiencing climate induced hazards, which include droughts and dry spells, seasonal and flash floods and extreme temperatures. Some of these hazards, especially the droughts and floods have increased in frequency and intensity over the past few decades and have adversely impacted on the food and water security, water quality, energy and sustainable livelihoods of rural communities.
Conscious of the threats posed by climate change to the development process including attainment of the Vision 2030, Government has taken necessary steps to minimize the potential for further damage. However, the steps and actions undertaken so far on mitigating climate change and adaptation to the adverse impacts of climate change have been fragmented and done in an ad-hoc manner.
It is from this background that Government has developed the National Policy on Climate Change to provide a framework for coordinated response to climate change issues. It gives guidance on how the Zambian economy would grow in a sustainable manner and thereby fostering a smooth implementation of the Revised Sixth National Development Plan (R-SNDP) and its successor plans including the achievement of the Vision 2030.
The NPCC was developed through a broad based consultative process involving all stakeholders. This was done with a view to secure a diverse cross-section of stakeholders from across the country. I am happy to note, with appreciation, that the Policy was formulated based on stakeholders needs and has given special consideration for vulnerable groups such as poor rural women, children and youths in the backdrop of the decentralization process being advanced by Government.
Finally, I wish to implore all stakeholders to work together and implement this policy in order to achieve its objectives and meet the aspirations of the people of Zambia
Mrs. Inonge M. Wina, M.P.
HER HONOUR THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
Find the entire National Policy on Climate Change here: http://caritaszambia.org/index.php/policy-briefs/file/112-national-policy-on-climate-change
