Cop26 and the realities on ground
3 min read
By Margaret Kamba
It has always been known that human activity has influenced the way climate has changed and efforts have been made countless times to try and cushion the same humans from the adverse effects of climate change in order to avert any deaths but in most cases to no avail.
Over the years therefore we have seen higher and colder temperatures, severe droughts and flooding among other adverse climatic conditions. While for Zimbabwe in the past we seemed to see effects such as droughts, some of the deadliest conditions now are witnessing that of Cyclone Idai which not only displaced thousands but seen to the disappearance of many we still have not accounted for.
It seems a little far-fetched to begin thinking that deforestation and building on wetlands which are just some of the numerous activities people have engaged in will disappear any time soon seeing as the demand for accommodation increases daily.
Perhaps attempts by the combined Ministries of Local Government and National Housing to spearhead high-rise buildings and smart building technologies can begin to salvage the environmental menace we have caused and contributed to.
As world leaders meet in Glasgow for Conference of Parties COP26, it is important they note that the communities they represent have contributed to these adverse effects of climate change being experienced in the different corners of the world and discuss practical ways of addressing challenges facing their people.
Glasgow comes in handy to host COP26 in that it has experience, commitment to sustainability and world-class facilities apart from its target for carbon neutrality by 2030 to make it one of the greenest cities in Europe through its Sustainable Glasgow campaign, and is 4th in the world in the Global Destination Sustainability Index.
It boasts of a proven track record of hosting events on the international stage, such as the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2018 Glasgow European Gymnastic Championships.
Surrounded by the river, the city and its parks, the location will inspire attendees to tackle climate change and protect the planet for future generations.
Heads of state and ministers from over 200 countries, industry leaders and change-makers will have to agree on the ambitious and critical actions that the world needs to take to protect our planet by limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Given the visible and catastrophic signs we’ve experienced this year from wildfires and flooding across Europe and the US, to extreme droughts across parts of the Middle East and Africa
Extreme heat waves, heavy precipitation, droughts and tropical cyclones, wildfires and flooding are visible signs of how we must reduce greenhouse gas emissions from human activities such as burning fossil fuels.
Mobilizing finance for climate action is also crucial as pledges made as part of The Paris Agreement back in 2015 to mobilize $100 billion annually to support climate action goals have not been met with shocking revelations that at least 60 of the world’s largest banks have poured in USD 3.8 trillion into fossil fuels since the Paris Agreement was signed.
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