Climate Justice Debate Puts Zambia’s Realities into Sharp Focus ( Part 2)
By Daily News Reporter
The call for climate action is growing louder across the globe, but at the AMSCC Consortium Science Café, the message was clear: without justice, climate solutions risk leaving the most vulnerable even further behind.
Speaking during close-boader discussion Ms Teresa Anderson of ActionAid International, highlighted a compelling presentation on the need to rethink climate responses through the lens of equity and accountability.
( Ms Teresa Anderson of ActionAid Internation)
Ms Anderson emphasized a stark imbalance—those most affected by climate change have contributed the least to greenhouse gas emissions, while wealthier, industrialized nations carry the bulk of historical responsibility.
“Climate justice is about fairness,” she said.
“It means those who caused the problem must act decisively—by cutting emissions and providing financial support to those bearing the brunt of the crisis.” Ms Anderson said.
The science café, was held under the theme “Reflections on Climate Change, Gender, Health and Impactful Stories,” brought together journalists from Zambia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Malawi and Uganda, all affiliated with Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (MESHA).
The platform created space for scientists, journalists, and development practitioners to unpack the interconnected challenges of climate change, public health, and gender inequality—issues that are increasingly shaping lives across the region.
During the forum one of the key concern raised was the unintended harm caused by poorly designed climate initiatives.
Ms Anderson also highlighted examples where solutions focused purely on economic or technological gains end up sidelining human and social considerations.
Unlike for Zambia, the conversation struck a familiar chord. As one of Africa’s major copper producers, the country’s mining sector plays a crucial role in economic growth—but also presents significant environmental and social challenges.
In areas like Copperbelt Province and North-Western Province, mining activities have been linked to deforestation, air and water pollution, and land degradation.
While minerals such as copper are essential for global green technologies, local communities often bear the cost. Farmers lose productive land, water sources become contaminated, and livelihoods are disrupted—raising critical questions about who truly benefits from the so-called green transition.
“Even solutions branded as ‘green’ can become exploitative if they ignore local realities,” Anderson noted, pointing to what she described as neocolonial patterns in resource extraction.
The science café also shed light on the disproportionate burden faced by women. From reduced agricultural yields to increased care responsibilities, climate change continues to widen gender inequalities.
Women are frequently excluded from decision-making processes, yet they are among the most affected—especially in rural communities where livelihoods depend heavily on natural resources.
Speaking to Daily News Reporter through phone call in mining towns of Copperbelt Province in Nkana extension, a 38-year-old Given kabwe begins her daily routine—walking several kilometres in search of clean water.
What used to be a short trip to a nearby stream has become a long and uncertain journey. “The water is no longer safe,” she says. “Sometimes it smells, sometimes it changes colour. We are afraid, but we have no choice.” she narrated.
Given’s story reflects a growing reality for many women living in mining communities across Zambia, where climate change and extractive industries are combining to reshape lives in profound—and often unequal—ways.
For women like Given, climate change is not an abstract concept. It is felt in dried-up fields, unpredictable rains, and declining harvests. But in mining areas, these challenges are compounded by environmental degradation linked to mineral extraction.
Streams once used for drinking and irrigation are increasingly polluted, while land once suitable for farming is degraded or taken over by mining operations.
“We used to grow enough vegetables for our families,” Given explained. “Now the soil is weak, and sometimes the crops fail completely.”
The impacts of climate change are not shared equally. In many rural and peri-urban communities, women are responsible for securing water, producing food, and caring for families—roles that become more difficult as environmental conditions worsen.
As water sources disappear or become contaminated, women must travel longer distances, exposing them to physical exhaustion and safety risks. At the same time, reduced crop yields mean less food and income, deepening household vulnerability.
Despite carrying this burden, women are often excluded from decision-making processes about land use, mining activities, and climate policies.
“We are the ones suffering, but no one asks us what we need,” Given stated.
The link between climate change and health is becoming increasingly visible in these communities. Dust from mining operations, combined with rising temperatures, contributes to respiratory illnesses, particularly among women and children.
Contaminated water sources have also led to an increase in waterborne diseases, while malnutrition is becoming more common as food insecurity grows.
For Given access to healthcare is another barrier. “The clinic is far, and sometimes we don’t have money for medicine,” she says.
Experts and participants at recent science dialogues highlighted several key barriers limiting women’s ability to cope with climate change.
As the world shifts toward cleaner energy, demand for minerals such as copper—abundant in Zambia—continues to grow. While this presents economic opportunities, it also raises concerns about what experts call “unjust transitions.”
Communities like Given's often find themselves caught in the middle—bearing environmental and social costs while seeing few direct benefits.
“Development should not mean suffering,” Given said .“We want progress, but not at the expense of our health and our children’s future.”
Advocates are increasingly calling for climate action that prioritizes both environmental sustainability and social justice—ensuring that women are not only protected but empowered.
Despite the challenges, women like Given's remain resilient. Many are adapting—forming cooperatives, exploring alternative livelihoods, and advocating for their rights.
“We are strong,” Given added. “But we need support. We need to be heard.”
Her story is a reminder that climate change is not just about rising temperatures or emissions—it is about people, and the unequal burdens they carry.
Addressing climate change in Zambia will require more than policies and pledges. It will demand listening to voices like Given’s—and ensuring that the path to a greener future is also a fair on.
Participants heard how some climate interventions have even worsened conditions, with cases of women losing access to land or income due to poorly implemented projects.
Across the region, participants shared real-life injustices linked to climate change and response measures
Ms Anderson also outlined three pillars for a just response to climate change, supporting communities to recover after disasters and building resilience to future climate shocks.
However, she stressed that these efforts must be guided by justice, ensuring that no group is marginalized in the process.
As the AMSCC Consortium Science Café concluded, one message resonated strongly—climate change is as much a social issue as it is an environmental one.
So for Zambia and the wider region, the challenge lies in balancing development with sustainability, while ensuring that climate solutions uplift rather than displace communities.
The discussions served as a reminder that meaningful climate action must go beyond reducing emissions. It must also confront inequality, amplify marginalized voices, and deliver real benefits to those on the frontlines of the crisis.
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