The Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) has urged the Zambian government to prioritize the finalization of the Climate Change Bill. The call comes as part of an effort to address the nation’s vulnerability to climate change more effectively.
CTPD Research Associate Dr. Matildah Kaliba highlighted that despite climate change being identified as a significant challenge in the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP), progress has been hindered by institutional inefficiencies, insufficient funding, and the lack of a binding legal framework. The proposed Climate Change Bill is seen as a crucial step in overcoming these obstacles by providing a comprehensive legal mandate for climate action in Zambia.
Dr. Kaliba explained that one of the key issues the bill aims to address is the harmonization of carbon market policies. She said with the National Forestry Policy currently being revised, the CTPD stresses the importance of finalizing the Climate Change Bill promptly.
“Several critical areas that the bill should address include the following – Institutional Coordination: Current climate change governance is fragmented, and a unified coordinating body is needed to ensure cohesive action across all sectors. – Domestic Resource Mobilization: Without legislation mandating specific budget allocations for climate action, efforts are often underfunded and overly dependent on external support. She said the bill could establish a Climate Change Fund to secure consistent domestic funding.
– Stakeholder Engagement: The bill should require inclusive processes to involve civil society, local communities, and the private sector in climate decision-making.
The CTPD has emphasized that the final version of the Climate Change Act should align with international best practices while addressing Zambia’s specific needs.
Meanwhile, a Climate Change and Sustainability Expert Abel Musumali has called on the Zambian government to put in place some legal instruments in order to enhance the fight against climate change.
“One of the biggest challenge the country faces is the lack of legal instruments in place to deal with climate change. The only legal framework in place is the environmental Act under the Zambia Environmental Agency which makes it difficult to deal with issues of climate change in the country, said Mr. Musumali.
He is now calling on the government to take the climate change bill to parliament for enactment.
Early this year, Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants also implored the Zambian Government to ensure that the Climate and Sustainability bill is enacted into law before the next COP at the end of the year.
ZICA President Yande Mwenye said the effects of climate change cannot be ignored as no one is immune.
“The absence to have the Climate and sustainability Bill signed into law the country will not fully enjoy the benefits. Without demanding compliance in all sectors of the economy the country cannot fully earn some much-needed income from trading in carbon credits, Mrs Yande Explained.
She urged the Ministry of Green Economy to ensure that the bill is tabled as a matter of urgency.
And Mrs. Mwenye advised government to focus on the diversification of the economy to avoid the reliance on the mining sector to help reduce the pressure on local currency.