Story by Memory Chamisa
Government continues to foster mechanisms to green its economy and build community resilience against the adverse impact of climate change.
As the world moves towards renewable energy, the issue of Just Transition to green energy is a topical issue under the microscope as the focus shifts to the sustainability of livelihoods, especially for vulnerable groups such as women, children and the informal sector.
With Zimbabwe set to host the Africa Green, Waste and Energy Expo and Summit this month, local stakeholders view the summit as a platform not only to bring Africa together but also to enhance social dialogue, build capacities and attract financing from development partners towards climate adaptation.
“The Summit and Expo not only will it track progress made so far in Just Transition but will also unlock potential investment from partners who want to fill the skills gaps and investments,” noted Zimbabwe Sunshine Group executive director, Mr Ronny Mbaisa.
Environmental expert Ms Cynthia Tapera said, “We are excited to be hosting the Expo for the second time, but we also have to take stock of what other countries have achieved in just transitions. As it is, governments face a number of obstacles to achieving a green Just Transition. Among them is lack of clarity and consensus on what it is, a lack of data on the benefits of a green transition and the impacts of different policies on different segments of society.”
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Ambassador Raphael Faranisi highlighted the government’s commitment towards remodelling systems to ensure a green economy.
“In addressing the existential issues we are facing today; caused by unsustainable production and consumption patterns, a huge demand is placed on us to transition from linear to circular economic model. As we make this transition, it is our hope as the government that we will be able to remodel systems in an all-inclusive and just manner in order not to leave anyone and any place behind. The key driver of the desired sustainable economic model: the circular economy is the transition to low-carbon forms of energy generation, storage, mobility and industrial production. This is creating new demand for what are considered the minerals of the future platinum, lithium, copper and vanadium, amongst others of which Zimbabwe is endowed with them in abundance.
“It is in light of the realisation of the diversity of the detects of the circular economy that the 2023 Edition of the Green Expo and Summit will have several side events that will be led by different key sector players in order to meaningfully deliberate on the following key topics: The Future of Energy, Climate Smart Agriculture, The Future of Work, Climate Promise, Sustainable Cities, among others. If done right the transition offers immense opportunities in which all communities, workers and countries are lifted up,” he said.
Under the Climate Promise initiative, Zimbabwe is part of 34 countries receiving support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) towards strengthening Just Transition to green and renewable energy.
