By Own Correspondent.
A local environment watchdog ,EcoEthics Zimbabwe has challenged climate change lobby groups to include people with disabilities in their advocacy of fighting climate change.
This was heard during the tree planting activity on Saturday organised by EcoEthics Zimbabwe with support from the City of Harare and the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe.
Officially opening the tree planting event ,EcoEthics Zimbabwe President Tendai Keith Guvamombe said the organisation decided to rope in people with disabilities (PWDs) for the tree planting exercise as a gesture to be inclusive in addressing climate change.
“Many a times ,People With Disabilities (PWDs) are excluded in the climate change debate despite that they are the most affected with the vagaries of the changing weather patterns.
“As an organisation , we thought it was worthwhile to involve them this day so as to send the message home that PWDs should also be part of the climate change actions. Interestingly ,today (3 December) is the International Day of People With Disabilities .Our National Tree Planting Day falls on 1st Saturday of December and we have decided to jointly celebrate the two,” addressed Guvamombe.
The Thisability Hub Zimbabwe director Henry Kane welcomed the move by EcoEthics Zimbabwe.
“We really appreciate your recognition of PWDs. Indeed if you look closely ,it is us from the disability fraternity that are affected mostly by the effects of climate change.
“For example those suffering from albinism are susceptible to cancer owing to the increased heat caused by climate change. It is disheartening we are always at the peripherals of many processes hence while we appreciate this initiative by EcoEthics Zimbabwe it really empowers us,” heartily said Kani who was among those who planted the trees.
EcoEthics Global Movement founder ,10-year-old climate change activist, Madhvi Chittoor pledged to support advocacy on climate change adaptation and mitigation .
The others include Harare City Chief Environmental Officer Charles Mabika ,Forestry Zimbabwe Commissioner board chairperson Veronica Jakarasi and journalist Tafadzwa Muranganwa.
