By Grace Samuel
The Head of Programs at the United Nations Association of Zambia (UNAZ). Mr. Yande Chanda has emphasized that the erratic rainfall patterns in the country are due to global warming caused by careless tree-cutting activities.
He further explained that, deforestation caused by the indiscriminate cutting down of trees to produce charcoal not only has adverse effects on the environment but also contributes to the drought experienced in Zambia.
Chanda spoke in an interview with a Zambian media outfit.
He stated that charcoal burning is a destructive activity that has led to significant deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and ecosystem disruption as it releases harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, which can cause respiratory infections.
Also, a climate change activist, Patrick Mweetwa, pointed out the need to educate people on the harmful effects of charcoal burning.
He highlighted the commendable efforts of various organizations working with the government to promote alternative sources of energy such as solar and biogas to reduce the use of charcoal.
Mweetwa also called on citizens to participate in annual tree-planting programs to replenish the lost resource, which he said is critical to the country’s agricultural sector and overall well-being.
