The Climate Change, Carbon Markets, and Sustainability Indaba took place from July 17 to 18, 2024, at City Hall. The forum was themed “Unpacking and Unlocking Zimbabwe’s Potential in the Climate Economy” and aimed to drive the global sustainability agenda while building climate resilience. Organized by the Africa Carbon Credits Market Forum in collaboration with the City of Bulawayo and various ministries of the Zimbabwean government, including the Ministry of State for Provincial Affairs and the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, the event focused on carbon credits and generating relevant climate change projects.
Notably, the Minister of State for Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, Honorable Sithembiso Nyoni, was unable to attend but sent a representative, Mr. Zhakata. Similarly, the Mayor of Bulawayo was absent but also sent a representative. This absence of leadership raises concerns about the commitment to addressing climate change.
The forum featured significant discussions on environmental issues and the impact of daily actions on climate change. The first day included presentations on the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, highlighting their importance in combating climate change. Miss Veronica Jakarasi, Director of the Institute of Sustainability Development Finance, provided insights into these agreements and their implications for Zimbabwe, particularly focusing on Articles 6.2 and 6.4 of the Paris Agreement.
Mr. Nicholas, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Association, also spoke about how carbon markets function and their limitations. The second day offered valuable insights for those interested in starting their own projects, featuring presentations from Miss Heather McEwan, Senior Manager of Africa and Middle East Regional Engagement at Vera, and Mr. Andreii, Sales Director of Bison Agra Machinery, who discussed innovative and sustainable development practices.
I found the Climate Change, Carbon Markets, and Sustainability Indaba 2024 to be an invaluable opportunity to enhance my knowledge of climate change. I was disappointed that it was only a two-day event, as I yearned to learn more. The conference revealed the vast scope of climate change issues, including mitigation measures, clean energy, and sustainability.
A panel discussion on clean energy in rural communities highlighted the challenges of adopting clean cooking models due to their high costs. Mr. Prof. Tabani Ndlovu addressed these issues, and Ms. Kudakwashe Dhliwayo discussed waste management, particularly focusing on youth involvement. She pointed out that the requirements for project registration often exclude many potential participants, making carbon trading accessible only to a select few. This situation is unfair and limits inclusivity, making it harder for individuals to secure loans for climate-related initiatives.
Despite these challenges, there is still much we can do to ensure a sustainable future for our planet. As a member of the spoken word community and an emerging eco-friendly fashion designer, I am committed to promoting climate action in our daily lives. After all, we have no planet B.
Written by: WeCre8te Afrika
