Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change Michael Usi has said there is need for more simplified messaging on climate change issues for easy understanding and action by the rural communities.
He was speaking Tuesday in Lilongwe when he officially opened a two-day Pre-COP 28 Trialoque on green innovation, energy transition, sustainable climate financing and circular economy, ahead of the COP 28.
The minister observed that it is mostly people from the rural areas in Malawi who are mostly affected with effects of climate change, hence the need to target them with proper messaging.
He said: “The majority of people in Malawi live in the rural areas and are more vulnerable than those in the urban, so the knowledge needed to prevent disasters has to go to them because they are the ones mostly affected.”
On the coming COP 28, Usi said Malawi will be taking to the conference the issue of climate justice, observing that the Cyclone Freddy which hit some parts of the country provided a better definition of climate finance and change.
He said the government will neither be too rigid nor soft on carbon market to scare investors or to attract them but work on balancing it for mutual benefit.
United Nations Development program (UNDP) Resident Representative Fanella Frost said there is need to look at practical solutions to address the issues of climate change.
She concurred with the minister’s sentiments on the need to target and work with communities to address the issues of climate change, saying communities need to see results.
Key note speaker who is Director General for National Herbarium and Botanic Gardens, Dr. Zacharia Magombo, said the country has taken appropriate steps to avoid losing out on carbon marketing.
The COP 28 is expected to be held at Expo City Dubai, United Arab Emirates from November 30 to December 12 this year.
Reported by Stanley Nkhondoyachepa
