Author: MIRIAM MANGWAYA President Emerson Mnangagowa delivered a speech yesterday at the climate change (COP26) summit in Glasgow, Scotland, in the almost empty auditorium.

Mnangagwa spoke before the empty seat, as did all leaders who spoke between 9 am and 1 pm.

More than 120 heads of state and 25,000 representatives attended the summit.

In Mnangagwa’s speech, dozens of Zimbabweans based in the United Kingdom were picketing outside the conference room, condemning his poor human rights record in the country, while others praised him for his re-engagement in adversity.

This is not the first time Mnangagwa has spoken in an empty auditorium. In September 2019, he addressed a nearly empty 1,800-seat auditorium at the 74th United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York.

State Presidents are not accustomed to speaking in a crowded auditorium, because many leaders will pay attention to the progress of meetings in other places or participate in other ongoing activities in other places.

In yesterday’s speech, Mnangagwa said that Zimbabwe is struggling with the effects of climate change, which has led to severe droughts and floods caused by hurricanes.

"The most unfortunate thing is that the impact of climate change is disproportionately borne by vulnerable communities, which contribute the least to current atmospheric carbon stocks," he said.

"Therefore, fragile countries must have the ability to mitigate, adapt and build resilience to climate change. It is expected that major emitters will expand mitigation actions and show greater interest in adaptation.

"The COP26 decision should strengthen the implementation of the current nationally determined contributions.

"More importantly, the established emission reduction targets must be based on supporting, funding and equipping countries to gradually and sustainably switch from fossil energy to renewable energy."

He added: “Although we are a'net sink' as a country, I am happy to emphasize that Zimbabwe has revised its Nationally Determined Contributions, which means that by 2030, it will conditionally achieve a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per capita. Commitment goals.

"A comprehensive strategy is being implemented to mainstream climate change adaptation and resilience into all sectors of our economy."

Mnangagwa once again called for the sanctions to be lifted.

Social media users reacted differently to Mnangagwa’s speech. Some people said he was not worthy of attending the climate change summit because his government is increasing environmental hazards.

The Mnangagwa government has been widely criticized for approving the construction of houses on wetlands and unsustainable mining activities, especially Chinese companies, which have a negative impact on the environment.

Presidential spokesman George Charamba posted on his @Jamwanda2 Twitter that there was nothing wrong with the empty auditorium during Mnangagwa’s speech.

"As far as the audience at the UN summit is concerned, this is absolutely confusing," he said.

"Uneducated people think that the audience is in the direct auditorium of the speech. It's sad, but it's actually embarrassing!!!"

At the same time, Nelson Chamisa, leader of the opposition MDC Alliance, stated that his party has a clear climate change policy that involves creating new jobs in the renewable energy industry.

"In order to reduce the frequency of extreme weather shocks such as hurricanes, all countries need to adopt more sustainable ways of producing energy, manufacturing goods, transportation, urban development, and agriculture. Net zero emissions by 2050 are the goal," Chamisa said. Said in a statement.

“As the next government, our climate change policy is clear. Although the journey to net zero by 2050 may seem daunting, it represents Zimbabwe’s new industries in renewable energy, electric vehicles, smart agriculture, and green manufacturing. A unique opportunity to create new jobs."

Follow Miriam on Twitter @FloMangwaya

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