Story by Sifiso Sibanda in Kenya
WORLD leaders attending the Sixth United Nations Environment Assembly in Kenya have noted the need to urgently address the management of the environment and biodiversity for the benefit of humanity.
Addressing the Sixth United Nations Environment Assembly in Kenya this Thursday, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, Ms Inger Anderson said environmental challenges have become a global crisis, with some animal and plant species getting extinct.
“My appeal to you is to cooperate and do things differently so that we save the environment, especially climate change that has an impact on humanity and global food security.”
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke on the need to mitigate climate change by reducing pollutants that harm the atmosphere.
“As we hold this sixth UN Environment session, let us commit to slowing down climate change processes as we work out strategies of sustainable use of the environment for the benefit of future generations, at the same time, let us eradicate the use of plastic given its impact on the environment.”
Zimbabwe’s Vice President Kembo Mohadi highlighted the country’s commitment to reducing gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030 while also developing a comprehensive national climate change response strategy focusing on mitigation, adaptation and resilience building.
“We are actively promoting renewable energy resources such as solar and wind power and implementing energy efficiency initiatives to reduce carbon footprint. We are also strengthening law enforcement to combat wildlife tracking, wetlands invasion and distortion and implementing community-based conservation programmes to ensure sustainable livelihoods for local communities while preserving biodiversity.”
Other issues taking centre stage at the UN Environment Assembly include water resources management, wildlife conservation, access to clean water and sanitation.
