A win-win for the environment and health

In 2024, nearly all countries signed the Paris Agreement as a commitment to combat climate change. The goal was to keep global temperatures below 2degC or, ideally, 1.5degC. In order to achieve this goal, each country submitted plans called Nationally Determined Contributions to reduce its contribution to climate changes. They agreed to update the plans every five years.

Africa is responsible for 2% to 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. Zimbabwe is responsible for less than 0.1%. All African countries have submitted plans to reduce their emissions despite this tiny contribution.

In 2015, Zimbabwe pledged to reduce its emissions 33% by 2030. In 2021 it upgraded its target to a 40 percent reduction by 2030 in all sectors. This improvement will increase the percentage of emissions Zimbabwe will reduce across all sectors.

About 34% (or Zimbabwe’s total) of the country’s emissions are attributed to the energy sector. If Zimbabwe meets its goal, it will be possible to reduce greenhouse gas emission by a significant amount if other sectors are included. These include agriculture and forestry (58%) as well as waste (5%) and industrial process (3%)

How Zimbabwe can achieve its emission reduction targets

An assessment of the ways greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced informed the updated target. A team of researchers (including myself) from the Stockholm Environment Institute and Zimbabwe conducted the assessment. The plan outlined a strategy to reach the goals through the implementation of 28 specific policies and measure.

We also reviewed other implications of taking each action locally in Zimbabwe. We also looked at the other implications of each action in Zimbabwe.

According to our research, Zimbabwe’s climate change plan would help it not only meet international obligations but also achieve many health, social, and development benefits.

The study quantified and assessed how 28 actions in Zimbabwe’s climate plan will contribute to specific Sustainable Development Goals.

Three of the top benefits were identified: improved public health and biodiversity, as well as greater access to reliable sources of energy. These benefits are all a top priority in Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 for 2021-2025.

In Zimbabwe, good health is a fundamental right. The top 10 health risks in Zimbabwe are air pollution and unsanitary sanitation. These can be reduced through Zimbabwe’s climate plan.

Reduced biodiversity loss will not only help to address the environmental challenge of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy but also preserve and improve the tourism industry.

After years of insufficient energy due to drought and the reliance of much of the population on biomass fuels, it is crucial that reliable and regular energy supplies are provided for poverty reduction and economic growth.

Benefits are counted

Public Health: At present, over 8,000 adults and almost 6,000 babies are killed by air pollution every year in Zimbabwe. Nearly 1,600 people die in road traffic accidents and 337 people are killed by unsafe sanitation. According to the study, actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions would also result in a reduction of air pollutants by 35% – 45% between 2030. It would reduce air pollution, particularly indoors when women and girls are exposed to the most.

Air pollution can be reduced by using cleaner energy to cook, improving transport systems, and better waste management. By using public transport or cycling and walking instead of driving, you can reduce the number of road accidents.

If the right systems are installed, expanding access to sanitation will reduce deaths from diarrhoeal disease and methane emissions.

Increased biodiversity: Zimbabwe’s climate change measures include changes in how land is used. The plan aims to decrease burned forest areas by 500,000 ha and to add 100,000 ha each year until 2025. The plan also aims to manage an additional 250,000 hectares of crops using “conservation farming” techniques.

The estimated benefits of these actions include improving soil health, protecting biodiversity and reducing animal and plant losses.

Access reliable energy: The climate change plan of Zimbabwe is based upon extending electricity to 95% urban households and 75% rural households. The plan includes actions such as increasing renewable electricity production, improving energy efficiency, and reducing transmission and distribution losses. These steps will help to ensure energy access is fast and efficient, thus reducing the reliance on fossil-fuels and blackouts.

The study also shows that Zimbabwe can increase recycling rates and reduce waste emissions. By switching to cleaner fuels, the country can also reduce the amount of time spent cooking by its citizens – primarily women and girls.

More than just a sacrifice

Climate change is often seen as a sacrifice that must be made, not an opportunity to better lives.

The focus of climate change targets is often solely on the long-term global aspirations and not the short-term benefits.

Our study shows that Zimbabwe can benefit from social, health and economic benefits by tackling the (small) climate change contribution it has made. The benefits of climate change are not limited to Zimbabwe or a complete list.

The study in Zimbabwe is noteworthy because it quantified and evaluated local benefits, along with greenhouse gas emissions reductions. These studies show what countries can achieve by taking climate action.

Following Zimbabwe’s lead, countries could boost their national climate plans by integrating quantitative assessments of local benefits into their plans for climate change. The world would then be able to meet the necessary deadlines for emission reductions and avoid the worst effects.