by Rungano Dzikira

Cabinet has resolved to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33% per capita in the energy sector by 2030 in line with the Paris Agreement.

“Involved parties agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement through their Nationally Determined Contributions,” read the cabinet decision matrix.

“Dialogue will be initiated with SADC member states on the implications of the call to phase out the use of coal in order to arrive at a common position which can be articulated at international fora, while twenty-five percent of carbon tax will be allocated to the National Climate Fund as co-financing contributions.”

In line with the dwindling water resources in the country due to recurrent droughts, which in turn constrain hydroelectric power generation, the cabinet  assured to explore alternatives and renewable sources of energy in place of coal.

Complimenting these strategies, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement Director of the Climate Change Management Department, Washington Zhakata said that the country was in the process of coming up with strategies towards ending carbon growth.

“Zimbabwe is crafting a Low Emissions Development Strategy to guide different sectors towards low carbon growth (green growth) in line with the Paris Agreement.”

He added that climate change in Zimbabwe was being attributed to the increased levels of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

“Key projects to reduce emissions include, increasing hydroelectric generation, energy efficiency measures and electrifying rail, though this might prove challenging as atmospherically changes in the forthcoming years will likely result in the upsurge of waterless environments.”

In line with this, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) said that its accreditation by the Green Climate Fund to become a National Implementing Entity (NIE), will also unlock financial support through the climate change adaptation funds and indicated that priority areas for potential projects would include strengthening water resources management, building resistance to disaster risks, diversifying livelihoods, agricultural support services, renewable energy and waste to energy.