An Environmental specialist, Benjamin Mibenge has called on government and Non – Governmental Organisations ( NGO) to create more awareness on issues concerning climate change.

Mr Mibenge says there is need for more education and sensitisation on climate change issues if the country has to overcome its negative effects.

He adds that a lot has to be done to bring everyone on board as climate change affects everyone.

Mr Mibenge says mainstreaming climate change education and sensitization in all meetings and public gatherings would help in mindset change.

“Like the way we had talks on COVID 19 before the start of any meeting, be it women’s day, independence day, doing the same with climate change can also help,”Mr  Mibenge stated.

He added that there is need for more capacity building in communities on the importance of preserving the environment as a way of helping to reach out to as many people as possible.

“The task of preserving the environment should not be left to the government alone, everyone must get involved, if each one of us can spare thirty minutes  everyday and do something to preserve the environment, then the world will be a better place,’’Mr Mibenge said.

The Environmental Specialist also called on the government to include climate change issues in the education curriculum from Primary to University level.

He says teaching children at an early stage will enable them to know that caring for the environment is important and that they can not do without it.

He emphasized the revamping of clubs in schools such as Chongololo clubs.

‘’My interest in caring for the environment started from the Chongololo club in school  and if the same can be encouraged, it can really help,” he said. 

Mr Mibenge has called on local authorities to use parks not only for recreation but awareness creation, adding that a combination of play and education for Children can be an effective way of information dissemination.

” Local Authorities can take advantage of children and parents visiting their parks to educate them on the importance of taking care of the environment by putting up education materials there,” Mr  Mibenge said.

He added that climate change affects everyone regardless of profession, hence the need for collaboration among various stakeholders.

” Even if you are an Accountant, you will still need the environment , because that tree under which you park your car falls under the environment,” he said.