ZIMBABWE is at a critical stage in addressing climate change. It is currently conducting consultative meetings on the draft Climate Change Management Bill.

This bill signifies the country's commitment to addressing environmental challenges and climate change, which remain one of the country’s most pressing challenges.

Climate change remains a threat to achieving the country’s development. To better respond to this threat and ensure compliance and mainstreaming of climate change adaptation and mitigation, the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife is developing the Climate Change Management Bill.

The Cabinet approved the Bill's principles in 2023, and stakeholder engagement and consultations on its structure and substance are underway. Like many other countries, Zimbabwe is affected by climate change, significantly challenging its environment, economy, and society.

As a result, the importance of legislation on climate change in Zimbabwe must be supported. Enacting and implementing climate change legislation is essential for addressing the country's current and future impacts. First and foremost, legislation on climate change in Zimbabwe is crucial for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development. By establishing legally binding targets for reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources, the government can demonstrate its commitment to addressing climate change.

This can also attract investment in clean energy technologies and infrastructure, leading to economic growth and job creation in the renewable energy sector.

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Furthermore, climate change legislation can help Zimbabwe adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as droughts, floods, and changing weather patterns. By incorporating climate resilience and adaptation measures into law, the government can ensure that vulnerable communities are better equipped to cope with the effects of a changing climate.

This may include strategies for water management, agricultural resilience, and disaster preparedness, ultimately safeguarding livelihoods and reducing the overall societal impact of climate-related disasters.

Additionally, legislation on climate change can provide a framework for promoting sustainable practices across various sectors, such as agriculture, industry, and transportation.

By setting standards for environmental responsibility and promoting sustainable land use, Zimbabwe can work towards reducing its carbon footprint and minimising environmental degradation. This can contribute to preserving natural resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems, which are crucial for the country's long-term sustainability and resilience to climate change.

Moreover, having robust climate change legislation can enhance international cooperation and partnerships. By aligning its legal framework with global climate agreements and initiatives, such as the Paris Agreement, Zimbabwe can demonstrate its willingness to contribute to the global effort to combat climate change.

This can facilitate access to international funding, technology transfers, and capacity-building support, further strengthening the country's ability to address climate change effectively.

The proposed Bill seeks to align with Section 73 of the Constitution, which provides for environmental rights and emphasises the need to protect the environment for present and future generations through legislative and other measures.

The proposed bill is structured around eight principles, which are summarised here:

Principle 1: Guiding Principles—The proposed Bill will have guiding principles relating to climate change mitigation, adaptation, means of implementation, and the promotion of principles of sustainable development, including the precautionary principle, equity, and justice.

Principle 2: Mainstreaming of Climate Change in Development Planning and Budgeting Processes.

Principle 3: Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV), and Data Sharing Obligations for National Greenhouse Gas and Ozone Inventories. The proposed bill creates obligations for public and private institutions to obtain data to prepare the national greenhouse gas inventories.

Principle 4: Establishment of the Designated National Authority — The Bill also proposes setting up an institutional framework by creating the Designated National Authority, a body mandated with the registration, compliance enforcement, monitoring, and tracking of trade in carbon credits.

Principle 5: Participation in Carbon Credits Trading - The proposed Bill establishes procedures and guidelines for carbon credits trading nationally, regionally and internationally, including community participation and benefit-sharing arrangements from projects implemented within Zimbabwe.

Principle 6: National Climate Fund - The proposed Bill will establish the National Climate Fund as set out in the National Climate Policy.

Principle 7: Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards - The proposed Bill also seeks to align with the Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27] on allowable thresholds for greenhouse gas emission standards.

Principle 8: Gender Mainstreaming in Climate Change — The Bill also proposes integrating gender perspectives in climate change planning and policy formulation, including the different experiences of men and women in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of policies and programmes.

Zimbabwe's legislation on climate change is paramount for addressing the complex challenges of a changing climate.

By enacting comprehensive and enforceable climate change laws, Zimbabwe can demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development, resilience, and environmental stewardship. Through a holistic approach to climate change legislation, Zimbabwe can pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for its citizens while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. The citizens must seize the opportunity during the consultation meeting to contribute to the ongoing efforts to craft the bill. This will help ensure that the law reflects everyone's aspirations, particularly those most affected by climate change.

Although legislation is key, it is important, however, to remind ourselves and the government that for the full implementation of climate legislation there is need for:

Capacity building: Ensuring that government agencies, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders have the necessary skills and resources to effectively implement and enforce climate legislation.

Funding and investment: Securing financial resources for climate change initiatives, including funding for adaptation projects, renewable energy development, and climate resilience measures.

Public awareness and participation: Engaging communities and raising awareness about the importance of climate action, as well as, involving the public in decision-making processes related to climate change policies and programmes.

Monitoring and reporting: Developing robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms to track progress, measure impact, and ensure accountability in meeting climate targets and goals.

Regulatory framework: Establishing clear regulations, standards, and enforcement mechanisms to promote compliance with climate legislation across sectors and industries.

International cooperation: Strengthening collaboration with international partners to access climate finance, share best practices, and align efforts with global climate agreements.

  • Muyambwa is a development practitioner and researcher with expertise and research interests in democracy, natural resource governance, climate change and youth participation. He has extensive experience working on climate change, economic governance and youth participation using gender-sensitive, gender-responsive and gender-transformative approaches. — fariedarlie@gmail.com.