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Add to Preferred SourcesAlongside the human population, Africa’s animals are suffering greatly from the effects of climate change, which United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mahommed saw first-hand in Zimbabwe.
As global temperatures continue to rise and the world seeks solutions to stem the tide, the deputy UN chief visited Hwange National Park, which, at 14,651square kilometres, is almost half the size of Belgium.
“We have seen what climate change is doing to our environment and livelihoods”, she said. “We saw how the park is hounded by climate change; the way in which Hwange is hot, the water, and even animal migration and people”.
With unreliable weather patterns resulting in less rainfall, Hillary Madhiri of the national parks and wildlife office said that more than 400 bird and 150 mammal species – 45,000 of them elephants – are suffering.
Key issues include conflict between humans and wildlife, lack of water, loss of habitat, limited resources, population management and community partnerships to preserve the park.
Mr. Madhiri maintained that of all the problems “climate change is our biggest challenge”.
The Deputy Secretary-General is in Zimbabwe to attend the 6th Africa Regional Forum on sustainable development.
Ms. Mohammed said she would participate in the discussion on the Regional Coordination Mechanism between the UN and the African Union.
The focus will be on the elements needed to accelerate action on the ground for nations to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063 – Africa’s master plan to transform the continent into a global powerhouse – and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – the blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet.
Original source: UN News
Published on 23 February 2020