Green Economy minister, moderate COP 27 expected benefits
MINISTER of Green Economy and Environment, Eng Collins Nzovu briefed the nation on November 25, 2022 at Taj Pamodzi Hotel on the key outcomes of the 27th session of Conference of Parties (COP) held in Sharma El Sheikh, Egypt.
What was very strange about the briefing was the tone of his high optimism of the anticipated benefits of the outcomes that will accrue generally to the global climate change agenda and particularly to Zambia as a country.
Judging by recent history of failure by the rich nations to live up to their pledges, there is need to moderate the inflated optimism of the minister.
Even where he signed bilateral agreements, there is still need for caution.
This is not because our partners are bad people. No. It is simply because the neo-liberal capitalist system is going through its own systemic crisis.
We have just witnessed the most unstable premiership in the United Kingdom in recent living memory. The changes are fundamentally related to the economic crisis.
As the report DMMU assessment report reveals, 50 districts are at risk of vulnerability and food insecurity due to climate related floods. We do not want to raise high expectations of aid from partners when they are constrained.
In addition, the “big brother,” the United States is just playing a climate change diplomatic game. The focus of the Biden administration is winning the Ukraine-Russia War.
Compare how much they have invested in military and humanitarian support to the war effort in Ukraine, and you get a picture where their real interests lie. You can be hopeful but also realistic.