MWENDA FLAVIUS

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

CLIMATE ACTION
Climate change refers to the long-term shift in temperatures and weather
patterns mainly caused by human activities, especially the burning of fossil
fuels. Amount of Carbon dioxide has reached over 410 parts per million in 2019
which is a hundred per cent higher than in the pre industrialized era making a
warming trajectory of 1.5 – 2 degrees Celsius.
Effect of increase in carbon dioxide include:
Global warming: Global temperatures rise as a result of Carbon dioxide ability
to trap heat in the atmosphere of the earth. Therefore, intense heat waves,
melting polar ice caps and glaciers and increasing sea levels.
Human health: Increasing temperatures can cause heat-related illnesses, worsen
air pollution, and change where disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes are
found, which can affect the spread of illnesses like malaria and dengue fever.
Food security: Agricultural systems may be disrupted by climate change, which
is partly caused by high Carbon dioxide levels. Crop yields may be impacted by
changes in temperature and precipitation, which could result in food shortages
and higher food costs. Extreme weather conditions can also harm infrastructure
like acid rain and crops.
Extreme Weather Events: Increasing carbon dioxide levels can alter weather
patterns, making extreme weather events like hurricanes, droughts, floods, and
wildfires more often and severe.
CLIMATE ACTION IN ZIMBAMBWE
Zimbabwe lies in a semi-arid region with a limited rainfall and weather patterns.
The lively hood of the people have been affected due to their reliance to rain fall
agriculture.
As part of its continuous efforts to tackle climate change, Zimbabwe, like many
other nations, submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contributions
(NDCs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC). The information on emissions reduction, adaption strategies, and
other climate-related efforts.
HOW CLIMATE ACTION HAS BEEN IMPLIMENTED IN ZIMBABWE
Various organizations and government initiatives have been working to bring
distributed solar power to rural communities in Zimbabwe. In order to supply
electricity for lighting, charging, and powering small appliances in off-grid and
underserved communities, these projects entail the construction of small-scale
solar systems. For instance, initiatives to electrify rural areas utilizing solar
electricity have been made by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
Some firms and industries in Zimbabwe have invested in solar power
installations. For instance, massive solar arrays have been constructed on the
premises of commercial and industrial facilities, including mining businesses.
Utility-scale solar farms have been built in Zimbabwe to supplement the energy
supply of the national grid. One of the nation's first utility-scale solar projects
was the Munyati Solar Power Plant.
Their impact include:
Enhanced Energy Access: Community solar projects can deliver electricity to
off-grid or underserved communities by connecting them to the national grid.
By making energy for lighting, heating, and running appliances accessible, this
enhances the quality of life for locals.
Environmental Benefits: Community solar projects help reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and fight climate change since solar energy is a clean, renewable
energy source. Zimbabwe's use of renewable energy can be increased in order to
achieve its climate goals.
Economic Opportunities: Community solar projects can lead to the creation of
local jobs in the solar panel installation and maintenance industries, which will
help the area's economy grow and reduce poverty.
Challenges may include:
Many Zimbabweans might not have access to financing or loans with
favourable terms for solar system investments. The adoption of solar energy can
be hampered by a lack of financial.
The installation and maintenance of solar systems may be hampered by a lack
of qualified experts and installers with knowledge of solar technology. To close
this skills gap, training programs and capacity-building initiatives are crucial.
Large-scale solar farm installation requires access to adequate land, and
problems with land tenure might be problematic. Solving land-related problems
and obtaining land for solar installations can be difficult and time-consuming.

Improved agricultural practices and crop yields in the face of changing climate
conditions can indicate increased climate resilience and food security.
2. Partnerships between non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like
Oxfam and government agencies, including meteorological services, have been
established to address various issues related to climate change, disaster
preparedness, and community resilience.
To improve the distribution of climate information and early warning systems to
vulnerable populations, Oxfam may work with meteorological departments.
This assists communities in preparing for and responding to climatically related
calamities like storms, floods, and droughts.
Benefits include:
Programs for disaster risk reduction can be developed by NGOs and
meteorological organizations together. This includes programs to increase
community resilience, create evacuation plans, and put policies in place to
lessen the effects of disasters.
NGOs frequently participate in initiatives to collect data and conduct research
on climate change. To collect and disseminate climate data and research
findings that can help guide policy and decision-making, they might collaborate
with meteorological departments.
As a voice for policies and practices that address climate change and its effects
on vulnerable populations, Oxfam may work with government organizations.
This can involve promoting climate-resilient infrastructure and environmentally
friendly land-use techniques.
The political and regulatory situation in Zimbabwe may present difficulties for
Oxfam and other NGOs. Their operations may be impacted by modifications to
governmental policies and laws.
Secondly, it might be difficult to establish trust and engage with local
communities successfully. It's important to address linguistic obstacles, cultural
variances, and various community requirements and expectations.
Similar to many other governmental organizations, the MSD may experience
financial difficulties that hinder its capacity to successfully carry out its
function.
It can be difficult to ensure that weather and climate information reaches the
general public and important stakeholders, especially in rural areas.
Effective implementation of climate policies and strategies at the national,
regional, and local levels can indicate progress in addressing climate change.
3. Biogas production for household use in Zimbabwe. Organizations like the
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the World Bank have
compile a report on an increase of energy consumption in Zimbabwe. The
Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) is responsible for regulating
the energy sector in Zimbabwe and has data on biogas consumption and related
initiatives.
In place of using firewood or other biomass for cooking and lighting, biogas is a
clean and renewable energy source. This lessens deforestation and indoor air
pollution.
Systems that use biogas can manage organic waste efficiently. This can enhance
sanitation and stop the disease-spreading effects of inappropriate garbage
disposal.
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas that would otherwise be released into the
environment during the decomposition of organic waste, is captured during the
creation of biogas. This aids in reducing the effects of climate change.
Long distance biogas distribution and transportation can be expensive and
ineffective. This makes centralized biogas systems that serve distributed areas
less feasible.
Sometimes, the energy requirements of homes or communities may not be
great, which makes the investment in biogas systems less desirable, especially if
alternate energy sources are easily accessible.
There may not be enough reasonable financing options available in Zimbabwe
for many homes and small-scale farmers to pay for the initial price of biogas
systems. Their capacity to invest in this renewable energy source is thus
constrained.
An increase in the development of renewable energy sources such as solar and
wind power can indicate a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and reduced
reliance on fossil fuels.
Human behaviours have also been implemented, this include rather than using
private vehicles which emit gases they are required to use public transport, walk
and cycle, reducing food wastage and eating plant based food.
Zimbabwe's government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), educational
institutions, and international organizations have all participated in attempts to
raise awareness and educate the public about climate change through a variety
of channels. By promoting greater public awareness of climate change, its
effects, and the significance of taking action to reduce and adapt to it, these
programs hope to raise public understanding of these issues.
Climate change and environmental issues are covered in the school curriculum
in Zimbabwe. This covers disciplines like geography, science, and agriculture,
which cover climate-related issues and sustainable practices. Websites and
social media platforms are used to provide access to climate-related information
and resources. These platforms are often used to engage with younger
audiences.
Periodic climate awareness campaigns are conducted to coincide with global
climate events, such as Earth Day or World Environment Day. These campaigns
often focus on specific themes and actions that individuals can take.
Environmental clubs and extracurricular activities with a focus on climate
change and environmental preservation have been created in many schools.
Students are involved in practical initiatives and awareness campaigns through
these clubs.
Increased community awareness, capacity-building, and participation in climate
adaptation initiatives can indicate improved local resilience.