By Mary Kasoka Mwiikisa- Belém, Brazil
Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Mposha, has called for stronger global cooperation against climate change, stressing that for vulnerable nations like Zambia, the crisis is “a lived reality.”
Speaking during the High Level Segment of the Climate Change Conference- COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Mr. Mposha reminded delegates that COP meetings were not routine rituals but essential forums for forging solutions, warning that failure is not an option. He highlighted the severe risks Zambia faces, noting that climate change threatens not only development but the wellbeing of its citizens.
Despite these challenges, he outlined Zambia’s significant climate efforts, including the submission of its Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) in which Zambia aims to cut emissions by 25% from 2010 levels and up to 47% with substantial external support.
“The country expanded its NDC coverage from three sectors in 2016 to ten today, moving toward an economy-wide approach, this is a clear indication of Zambia’s commitment towards climate action”, Mposha added.
He, however, expressed concern over stalled negotiations on the Global Goal on Adaptation, Global Stocktake, Adaptation Fund, and Just Transition Work Programme, cautioning that goals were meaningless without clear paths to implementation. He pressed for a COP30 decision to allow the Adaptation Fund to serve the Paris Agreement in order to support the implementation of National Adaptation Plans.
“ Let me reaffirm Zambia’s commitment to ambitious climate action. The Least Developed Countries are challenging the global community to go beyond commitments and deliver on their promises,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Deputy Resident Representative Laurent Rudasingwa said COP30 was an opportunity to move from climate justice to climate action.
He added that developing countries like Zambia will use this Conference to partner with stakeholders in achieving sustainable and accessible Climate Finance.
“As the UNDP, we are here to support the Zambian government achieve its set climate targets through sustainable partnerships. We are also looking out for collaborations that can lead to enhanced climate adaptation projects in Zambia,” Rudasingwa explained.