Climate change has affected our nation as evidenced by changes in the rainfall trend over the years and we call upon the government to assist the responsible departments in mobilizing resources needed in climate change programmes if we are to move ahead, said Environment Africas Celestino Chari. Most organizations involved in environment do not have the financial strength to spearhead community conservation campaigns, he added. Zimbabwe environmental law association programme officer, Shamiso Mtisi, said there was need for concerted efforts by government and the donor community to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change.
The call by the environmentalists comes after a senior meteorological officer last week told parliamentarians attending a climate change workshop in Harare that the countrys weather stations were operating with obsolete equipment. Signs of climate change evident in Zimbabwe include the increased El Nio effect and more droughts, gradual decrease of rainfall, gradual increase in both minimum and maximum temperatures. This is despite Zimbabwes 0, 05% contribution to global warming.