Risks associated with climate change must be addressed swiftly in line with multilateral instruments; UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Edward Kallon said.
The Resident coordinator to Zimbabwe was giving remarks during the Media Brief on International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace in Bulawayo on Tuesday this week.
Kallon said, “Climate change presents new challenges, especially to poor and vulnerable countries and communities.”
“While climate change alone does not cause violent conflict, it does create major stress, especially in fragile situations where governments have limited means to help their populations adapt.”
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Fredrick Shava that solutions to climate change and to many other challenges require a holistic, multilateral approach.
“The world today faces this dire situation, which have seen countries in the southern hemisphere being the most affected. It requires selflessness, togetherness, understanding, holistic and pragmatic solutions,” said Shava.
“While a lot of leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and international peace and security at international fora, challenges such as climate change and the need to meet our commitments under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will require more commitment than platitude and general statements of solidarity.”
Climate change has been listed as one of the threats to humanity post the cold war era.
Zimbabwe has witnessed droughts and floods all attributed to the effect of climate change.
