By Rudo Saungweme

Zimbabwe is part of the delegates from the African Region and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) who converged today in Harare to establish and Improve  Air Pollution Monitoring.

Addressing a gathering at the event, Permanent Secretary for Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Munesu Munodawafa said IAEA seeks to contribute to air quality management in Africa by improving monitoring and analytical characterization using Nuclear Analytical Techniques (NATs) and understanding of pollution sources using apportionment tools.

The Permanent Secretary also said IAEA has been helpful in African countries especially now when countries are faced with challenges of climate change.

“IAEA has provided the required coordination among African countries to advance the Sustainable Development Agenda especially now when countries are faced with major challenges associated with climate change.

“It is of utmost importance that countries address the issues of Short-Lived Climate Pollutants as they update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs),” he said.

The Permanent Secretary also said that using nuclear analytical techniques for air pollution monitoring is a new phenomenon in Africa with a few countries using the technology.

IAEA has assisted Zimbabwe with state of the art air pollution measurements and monitoring equipment. The initiative will go a long way in tackling the climate change challenges being faced by Zimbabwe, the Harare Post has learnt.