Story by Theophilus Chuma
VELD fires remain a significant concern for Zimbabwean authorities, amid mounting fears over the health and environmental risks posed by more than 40 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emitted annually from these blazes.
The fires, which have become a recurrent and escalating crisis, are not only fuelling climate change but are also exposing communities to grave health hazards due to air pollution.
A newly released 2024 National Veld Fire Report, launched this Thursday, reveals nearly 5 000 veld fire incidents recorded within the past year, painting a grim outlook if the situation remains unchecked.
Environmental scientists at the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) warn that greenhouse gas emissions from veld fires are a major contributing factor to climate change.
“If we look at our last report on greenhouse gas emissions feeding into National Determined Contributions, we can see that agriculture and land use is contributing at least 40 %. The major contributor is veld fires,” Principal Officer, Research, Ntandokamulimu Nondo said.
The fires destroyed close to one million hectares of land, causing massive environmental and economic damage, according to the 2024 Veld Fire Report.
The government acknowledges the raging fires are a crisis that requires collective action.
“Veld fires have transformed into a crisis and such a scenario leaves the country losing out. They have an impact on food security, greenhouse gas emissions and economic growth,” the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Honourable Evelyn Ndlovu said.
At the height of this crisis are notable gaps that are stifling enforcement, as revealed by traditional leaders.
“We have serious challenges where chiefs are restricted to enforcing especially in resettlement areas. We need to have all stakeholders on board to understand the critical role of chiefs in combating this crisis,” Chief Fortune Charumbira said.
Greenhouse gas emissions are a global challenge which authorities are battling to mitigate against climate change.
The launch of the 2025 National Fire Week Indaba has thus provided a critical platform for stakeholders to introspect and find lasting solutions to reducing the impact of wild fires.
