By Jeff Kapembwa
Dissenting voices over the continent reverberating in the aftermath of the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement-the driver of climate change mitigation and adaptation chiefly in Zambia and other Least Developed, fueling concerns have devastating effects that might be too ghastly to contend.
The United States earlier sought to hold its contributions towards climate change insulation on countries grappling with the crisis. Its leader, Donald Trump, opted out of the Paris Agreement, but the action has severe consequences, especially in LDCs and Zambia waste.
Zambia-based climate expert and Lead partner-BCM Advisory Consult, Boniface Mumba, who over the years has been exposed to various conferences of Parties (COPs) in various capacities, including the role of negotiator, fears for LDCs.
He appeals to President Trump to show empathy to vulnerable countries.
The LDCs, given the financial incapacitation, are at risk of failing to combat climate change effects because of the reduced momentum financially which could lead to a weaker and delayed global climate action, ultimately affecting the ‘limping’ Countries.
The turn of events will culminate in Reduced Global Climate Commitments. The U.S. withdrawal signals a setback in international efforts to combat climate change.
The reduced momentum could lead to weaker and delayed global climate actions, adversely without financing for mitigation and adaptation.
There are financial implications too as enshrined in the Paris Agreement which provides for financial support from Uthe S and other developed countries to LDCs which goes into mitigating and adaptation.
“The Paris Agreement includes provisions for financial support from developed to developing countries to help them with climate mitigation and adaptation. The absence of U.S. contributions may have strained the financial resources available for climate projects in countries like Zambia.”
There are technological and capacity-building concerns if the action to halt US participation in the Paris Agreement is not reversed. The absence of the US, one of the major financiers, might also affect the transfer of technology and expertise that LDCs need to effectively implement climate action plans that include insulating a country from harm.
“This gap can hinder initiatives aimed at sustainable development and increasing resilience.” Mumba, who has been instrumental in Zambia’s climate change policy formulations, laments in his expert analysis.
The exposure by countries to unshielded climate effects spurred by the lack of a strong global commitment may have Zambia and other LDCs to climate-related risks such as extreme weather events, droughts, and foods, threatening security, water supply and livelihoods, might heighten want of insulation.
“Without a strong global commitment, Zambia and other LDCs remain more exposed to climate-related risks such as extreme weather events, droughts, and floods, which threaten food security, water supply, and livelihoods”
Mr. Mumba, however, argues that while all hope is not lost with the withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement, urges affected countries to look beyond the US and “think outside the box” to survive the climate hurricane threatening to raise global temperature beyond the barest minimum 1.5 degrees Celsius as human action, including pollution from Green House Gases (GHGs) by the US itself, China and other persist.
LDCs should seek to diversify sources of funding unlike the traditional allies while seeking new partnerships with private sectors, international financial institutions, and other donor countries to support climate initiatives to ‘swim out of the climate storm, with no immediate solution in place for financial fallback.
Strengthening regional cooperation can, if considered, help share resources, technology, and knowledge. Regional alliances can also have a stronger voice in international negotiations and draw more attention and resources to their needs to enhance resiliencce, Mr. Mumba says, arguing:
Investing in infrastructure and community-based adaptation strategies to build resilience against climate impacts is crucial. This might include improved agricultural practices, water management systems, and disaster preparedness plans”
Leveraging Renewable Energy is extremely vital under the new development which affected countries should actively consider sustaining its fight against the climate crisis.
As part of mitigation efforts, there is greater need to increase the focus on renewable energy sources, as it can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable development. The shift can also lead to economic benefits and energy security.
Developing comprehensive climate policies and institutional frameworks can enhance the effectiveness of climate action plans as part of the Policy and Institutional Strengthening. Zambia and other countries grappling with the climate disaster should seek to integrate climate considerations into national development strategies for quick-fix solutions.
There be sustained advocacy for stronger commitments and renewed engagement in global climate governance. LDCs should leverage platforms such as the United Nations to call for enhanced support and action from developed nations as part of International Advocacy.
Mr. Mumba notes however that despite the challenges posed by the US withdrawal, many U.S. states, cities, businesses, and other non-federal actors remained committed to the Paris Agreement goals, providing hope and continuity of effort that LDCs could possibly align with, a flicker of hope LDCs to ‘swim out of the troubled water’
Earlier, Lydia Chibambo sounded concerned over the US’ change of heart against the Paris Agreement and feats the multiple effects it could have on affected countries, Zambia included.
Shed urged affected countries to maximize ‘home-grown initiatives’ under the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reverse the effects on the environment.
The US notified the Secretary-General (António Guterres), in his capacity as a depository, of its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on January 27 of this year.
Experts estimate that about $11 billion a year of funding for climate projects in developing countries is threatened by Trump’s review (for 90 days) assigned under the executive orders and subsequently punish Africa, one of the continents heavily affected by climate change.
The US contributed about US$11 billion in 2024 to help developing countries reduce planet-heating emissions and adapt to climate change – but all current and future projects are now under threat from the broader aid review.
The Paris accord aims at limiting long-term global warming to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 degrees Celsius) or, failing that, keeping temperatures at least well below 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) above pre-industrial levels.
The UN says despite the US withdrawal, it remains committed to its global commitment to climate action, it says in a statement arguing:
“We reaffirm our commitment to the Paris Agreement and support all effective efforts to limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius.”