By SAM PHIRI –
VISITING French Minister of Energy, Segolene Royale has urged Zambia and other African states to encourage the use of renewable energy as a measure to combat the devastating effects of climate change.
Ms Royal said time had come for Zambia to desist from using sources of energy that encouraged deforestation but should instead get involved in the innovation of renewable energies.
She said Zambia was endowed with natural resources such as the sunlight which was a good source for the solar-generated energy.
Ms Royal, who is also Minister of Ecology Sustainable Development, said this during a Press briefing at Lusaka’s Alliance Francaise shortly before the photo exhibition of the Yann Arthus-Bertrand ‘60 solutions to climate change’.
She, however, commended the Zambian Government for putting up a formidable fight against deforestation and poverty as demonstrated by President Edgar Lungu.
The French envoy also called on the international donors to increase funding to countries like Zambia and Senegal that have exhibited commitment towards reverting to renewable energy.
“Zambia and other neighbouring countries should also work together to pressure large economies that are major culprits of carbon emission,” she said.
Meanwhile, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Christabel Ngimbu commended the French Government for the leadership role it had taken on the issue of fighting climate change.
Ms Ngumbu said the Zambian Government was geared to take part in the COP 21 December summit to be hosted in Paris, France.
“To this end, we as Government have already commenced our preparations to ensure we participate effectively in the proceedings and contribute to an outcome we can all be proud of,” she said.
Ms Ngumbu said Zambia had no alternative but to ensure that the outcome in the December 2015 COP 21 Pairs summit was adopted to ensure that the planet and livelihoods were protected.