Climate Change and Health in Zimbabwe: A Legal Perspective

Abstract

Climate change is becoming a topic of increasing contention in Zimbabwe, especially because its effects are becoming more visible. The effects of climate change are evident in agriculture, water, energy, biodiversity, infrastructure and health. Although legislation exists to address the effects of climate change on health, it is important to assess the adequacy of such, in its mitigation and adaptation responses. The new Zimbabwe Climate Policy provides a long-term response strategy to the impact of climate change and its provisions are commendable. However, successful implementation of legislation and policy is needed to combat the impact of climate change on health in Zimbabwe.

Keywords: climate change, law, malaria, cholera