AS THE impacts of climate change continue to manifest around the world, it is becoming increasingly critical for countries like Zambia to implement robust climate adaptation programmes.
Zambia is vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, including erratic weather patterns, extreme temperatures, and changes in rainfall patterns.
The heavy downpour that blew off the roofs of over 60 structures in Nangoma area of Mumbwa district in Central Province is a manifestation of the effects of climate change.
To mitigate these impacts and build resilience, it is essential for Zambia to adopt innovative climate adaptation programmes tailored to its unique challenges.
This is why the call by Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) national coordinator Gabriel Pollen for people to build stronger structures, especially that rains in the midst of climate change are torrential, is timely.
In recent years, floods and droughts have combined to destroy homes, livelihoods and harvests.
Climate change has proved to be a real and menacing problem in Zambia.
This is why Government established the National Adaptation Programme of Action on Climate Change, which provides a framework for Zambia to ensure that medium- and long-term development planning and budget processes integrate climate change adaptation in order to effectively identify climate change adaptation actions.
Some of Zambia’s adaptation measures include: promotion of irrigation and efficient use of water resources, strengthening early warning systems and preparedness, and using GIS/remote sensing in mapping of drought and flood-prone areas.
One of the key climate adaptation measures being promoted in the country, to enhance food security, is the use of sustainable agricultural practices.
Agriculture is the backbone of Zambia’s economy, with the majority of the population relying on small-scale farming for their livelihoods.
However, changing weather patterns and unpredictable rainfall have posed significant challenges to the agriculture sector.
By integrating climate-smart agriculture techniques such as drought-resistant crop varieties, agroforestry, and water conservation practices, the country can enhance food security and support rural livelihoods in the face of climate uncertainty.
Furthermore, investing in renewable energy infrastructure can significantly contribute to Zambia’s climate adaptation efforts. As a country, we are
endowed with abundant solar and hydro-electric potential, making us well-suited for renewable energy development.
By expanding access to clean energy sources, not only can Zambia reduce its carbon footprint, but it can also enhance energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change. Additionally, decentralised renewable energy solutions can provide power to rural and off-grid communities, improving their resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Another crucial aspect of climate adaptation in Zambia is the protection and restoration of natural ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, and river systems. These ecosystems play a vital role in regulating the local climate, retaining water, and providing habitats for diverse flora and fauna. By implementing measures to conserve and restore these natural areas, Zambia can enhance its resilience to climate change while also preserving biodiversity and supporting ecotourism, which contributes to the country’s economy.
The effects of climate change have not only been felt in rural areas alone.
Floods and droughts have equally compromised the sustainability of cities and towns. Prolonged floods have compromised the underground water resources of theses urban areas, and have destroyed homes and caused displacements. With rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development, there is a growing need to design and construct buildings, roads, and water systems that can withstand the impacts of extreme weather events. Incorporating climate adaptation considerations into urban planning can help reduce the vulnerability of urban populations and infrastructure to floods, droughts, and other climate-related hazards.
Stronger structures needed in face of climate change
AS THE impacts of climate change continue to manifest around the world, it is becoming increasingly critical for countries like Zambia to implement robust climate adaptation programmes.
Zambia is vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, including erratic weather patterns, extreme temperatures, and changes in rainfall patterns.
The heavy downpour that blew off the roofs of over 60 structures in Nangoma area of Mumbwa district in Central Province is a manifestation of the effects of climate change.
To mitigate these impacts and build resilience, it is essential for Zambia to adopt innovative climate adaptation programmes tailored to its unique challenges.
This is why the call by Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) national coordinator Gabriel Pollen for people to build stronger structures, especially that rains in the midst of climate change are torrential, is timely.
In recent years, floods and droughts have combined to destroy homes, livelihoods and harvests.
Climate change has proved to be a real and menacing problem in Zambia.
This is why Government established the National Adaptation Programme of Action on Climate Change, which provides a framework for Zambia to ensure that medium- and long-term development planning and budget processes integrate climate change adaptation in order to effectively identify climate change adaptation actions.
Some of Zambia’s adaptation measures include: promotion of irrigation and efficient use of water resources, strengthening early warning systems and preparedness, and using GIS/remote sensing in mapping of drought and flood-prone areas.
One of the key climate adaptation measures being promoted in the country, to enhance food security, is the use of sustainable agricultural practices.
Agriculture is the backbone of Zambia’s economy, with the majority of the population relying on small-scale farming for their livelihoods.
However, changing weather patterns and unpredictable rainfall have posed significant challenges to the agriculture sector.
By integrating climate-smart agriculture techniques such as drought-resistant crop varieties, agroforestry, and water conservation practices, the country can enhance food security and support rural livelihoods in the face of climate uncertainty.
Furthermore, investing in renewable energy infrastructure can significantly contribute to Zambia’s climate adaptation efforts. As a country, we are
endowed with abundant solar and hydro-electric potential, making us well-suited for renewable energy development.
By expanding access to clean energy sources, not only can Zambia reduce its carbon footprint, but it can also enhance energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change. Additionally, decentralised renewable energy solutions can provide power to rural and off-grid communities, improving their resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Another crucial aspect of climate adaptation in Zambia is the protection and restoration of natural ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, and river systems. These ecosystems play a vital role in regulating the local climate, retaining water, and providing habitats for diverse flora and fauna. By implementing measures to conserve and restore these natural areas, Zambia can enhance its resilience to climate change while also preserving biodiversity and supporting ecotourism, which contributes to the country’s economy.
The effects of climate change have not only been felt in rural areas alone.
Floods and droughts have equally compromised the sustainability of cities and towns. Prolonged floods have compromised the underground water resources of theses urban areas, and have destroyed homes and caused displacements. With rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development, there is a growing need to design and construct buildings, roads, and water systems that can withstand the impacts of extreme weather events. Incorporating climate adaptation considerations into urban planning can help reduce the vulnerability of urban populations and infrastructure to floods, droughts, and other climate-related hazards.