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Public Hearings on Climate Change Bill in Zimbabwe

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment and Climate has started public hearings on the Climate Change Management Bill. This Bill aims to create a solid legal framework for handling climate change in Zimbabwe.

From October 20 to 27, 2025, the committees will visit various locations. They will hold hearings at places like Silozwe High School and White Waters Primary School in Matobo, moving on to Tsholotsho, and then to Neechilibi High School and Mosi-Oa-Tunya Primary School in Victoria Falls.

The Bill proposes several important measures. First, it aims to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and includes a system for tracking emissions in carbon dioxide equivalents. It also suggests setting up a National Climate Fund to support related projects.

Both public and private sectors will be required to incorporate climate change considerations into their operations. Government entities will need to appoint staff to ensure these activities are taken seriously.

One of the Bill’s main goals is to align Zimbabwe with global climate agreements, especially the commitment to limit global temperature rises to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. A notable feature of the Bill is the introduction of a carbon trading framework and the establishment of the Zimbabwe Carbon Credit Registry.

To oversee this, a new body called the Zimbabwe Carbon Markets Authority will be created to monitor carbon trading initiatives. Additionally, the Minister responsible for Climate Change will work with the Finance Minister to offer incentives for projects promoting climate adaptation and mitigation.

A crucial aspect of the Bill is its focus on community involvement. Project applicants must create plans detailing how they will engage with local communities, especially those who may be indirectly affected. This effort looks to ensure that women and vulnerable groups are included in decision-making processes, promoting fairness and transparency.

Furthermore, the Bill proposes a grievance mechanism, allowing citizens to seek redress for issues related to climate change.

As the hearings unfold, public input will be vital to shaping this legislation. Recent surveys indicate that over 75% of Zimbabweans are concerned about climate change impacts, reflecting the urgency for effective policies. Engaging the community can help build stronger support for environmental initiatives and increase awareness of climate challenges.

For more details on climate policies, you can visit UN Climate Change.

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