Assessing the Adequacy of Zimbabwe's Legal Framework for Addressing Climate Change

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the adequacy of Zimbabwe's existing legal, regulatory, and policy framework for addressing climate change, benchmarked against international best practices. Using a comprehensive document analysis approach, the research examines Zimbabwe's key climate change-related policies, legislation, and global commitments. The assessment reveals a mixed picture, with both strengths and areas for improvement in Zimbabwe's climate change governance. The proposed Climate Change Bill aims to strengthen institutional coordination by creating a National Climate Change Management Council, aligning with international recommendations for effective climate change governance.

The study identifies several critical limitations that require attention. One of the key gaps is the lack of a dedicated climate change law, which means the country currently lacks a clear legal basis to drive and enforce climate action.

The existing legal and policy framework does not adequately address the need for affected individuals and communities to access appropriate legal recourse, undermining their ability to seek justice and hold the government accountable for climate-related impacts.

Moreover, the study identifies the need for more robust monitoring, reporting, and verification procedures within Zimbabwe's climate change governance framework.

The findings of this study provide policymakers in Zimbabwe with a detailed assessment of the country's climate change legal and policy framework, highlighting areas that require strengthening to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate climate change adaptation effectively. By addressing the identified gaps, Zimbabwe can enhance the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of its climate change governance, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and resilient development outcomes. Additionally, this research contributes to the limited body of literature on the legal and policy dimensions of climate change governance in Zimbabwe, providing a valuable resource to guide policy and legislative reforms