Zimbabwe is calling for increased resources and technology to bolster its efforts in mitigating and adapting to climate change, ahead of the upcoming COP29 conference. As a developing nation highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, the country aims to use COP29 as a platform to advocate for greater ambition from developed countries in their emissions reduction efforts.
Speaking at a preparatory meeting for COP29 in Harare, Zimbabwe’s acting permanent secretary for environment, climate, and wildlife Zhakata emphasized the need for a global compliance market under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The country also urged for more support in terms of resources and technology to address the challenges posed by climate change.
“Zimbabwe and the Africa Group will take COP29 as an opportunity to reiterate the need for greater ambition by developed countries in their mitigation efforts including through the UN-led global compliance market under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. As a developing country that is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, Zimbabwe is calling for more resources and technology to be availed to mitigate and adapt to climate change,” he said.
COP29, scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11th to 22nd, 2024, aims to increase political will in implementing the Paris Agreement. The conference will focus on bridging the emissions reduction gap, providing adequate means of implementation for developing countries, and addressing adaptation and loss and damage.
Zimbabwe is actively working to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions while recognizing the potential economic impacts of global actions like phasing out coal-fired power stations. The country is calling for well-thought-out plans and strategies that consider its economic development, energy poverty, and the need for a gradual transition.
“Whilst Zimbabwe is joining the rest of the world in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, it is well- aware of the impacts of global actions such as the phase-out of coal-fired power stations on its economy. The country calls for well-thought-out plans and strategies that take into consideration our levels of economic development, the need to reduce energy poverty and time for communities and economic systems to adjust,” Zhakata added.
