Mitigating climate change impacts is everyone’s business. Including the IRP’s.
As the global climate changes and temperatures continue to rise, the need for Zambia to diversify away from high energy dependence on hydropower is urgent. Zambia’s climate records from 1960 to 2003 indicate that the mean annual temperature has increased by 1.3 degrees Celsius. The increase in temperature is accompanied by a decrease in average rainfall which creates a significant climate risk, as nearly 90% of Zambia’s energy capacity is generated by hydropower.
Zambia’s emissions are higher than those of our neighbours with Malawi and Namibia at 0.02%, and both Zimbabwe and Mozambique at 0.06% - although these are likely to go up
Despite these challenges, Zambia’s policy response to climate change is well developed. Addressing climate change is mainstreamed in Zambia’s 7th National Development Plan, and a climate change policy and action plan is in place in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which, among other things, commits the country to a 25% Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction by 2030.
The IRP will promote sustainable renewable energy sources and technologies that contribute to low emission development pathways.
If you are interested in learning more or getting involved, please contact us.
