In the small village of Chimanimani: the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, I once beheld a scene of unspeakable devastation. A monster, disguised as a cyclone, had ravaged the land, leaving destruction and despair in its wake. The once peaceful community was now a scene of utter ruin. Homes were reduced to rubble, trees uprooted, and lives shattered.
It was the first time in a long while that Zimbabwe had witnessed such a climate-induced calamity. The memory of cyclone Idai still lingers, a painful reminder of the fury of nature. But what’s even more unsettling is that nowadays, such climatic catastrophes seem to be lurking around every corner, waiting to strike again. Our earliest cyclone in Zimbabwe was Cyclone Eline in the year 2000, but since the year 2017 we’ve been hit by 8 cyclones, Idai being the deadliest.
I saw a mother, her face etched with grief, standing amidst the ruins of her home. Tears flowed like a river, as she clutched her child in a desperate embrace. The little one’s eyes were wide with fear, clinging to the only sense of security they had left. The mother’s eyes told a story of loss, of fear, of uncertainty.
The monster that struck Chimanimani may have passed, but its impact still haunts us. We’re constantly reminded that another disaster is always looming, waiting to unleash its fury upon us. The threat of climate change hangs over us like a sword, a constant reminder of our vulnerability.
In the aftermath, the villagers, once full of life and laughter, now wandered the forests with a sense of hopelessness. Their livelihoods, their homes, their dreams – all gone, swept away by the monster’s fury. The sound of silence was deafening, a clear contrast to the happy community that once thrived there.
A man surveys a damaged bridge along Umvumvu river following Cyclone Idai
in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe, March 18, 2019. REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo.
Click on the image to enlarge.
Everyone had thought they were safe, that such disasters only happened elsewhere. But the monster showed the people of Zimbabwe no mercy, no discrimination. It struck without warning, leaving everyone to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.
Then, they were left to wonder – when will the next monster strike? Will they be prepared? Or will they be caught off guard, again? Despite this, the community’s spirit was resurrected unbroken; they were determined to rebuild. This is the human face of climate change – a crisis that goes beyond environmental damage to touch the very heart of our humanity.
Climate change affects us all, but not equally. The poor and the marginalized bear the brunt of its impact. In developing countries, where 90% of natural disasters occur, the people are often the least equipped to cope. They face the loss of homes, livelihoods, and even lives. The World Bank warns that climate change could displace over 143 million people by 2050. These aren’t just numbers; they’re stories of real people facing an uncertain future.
While the vulnerable suffer, the powerful often look away. Globally, the fossil fuel industry is bolstered by billions in subsidies, while renewable energy solutions fight for scraps of funding. This imbalance reflects a greater injustice: those who contribute least to climate change suffer its greatest consequences. Politicians debate carbon credits and emissions targets, but their words mean little to those facing the harsh realities of a changing climate.
Yet, there is a glimmer of hope. Renewable energy, once a distant dream, is now a tangible reality. Solar panels and wind turbines offer a cleaner, more sustainable way to power our country and indeed our world. They represent not just a technical solution, but a chance for economic growth and independence for communities that have long depended on others for energy.
Adapting to climate change requires smart, sustainable infrastructure. Sea walls can hold back rising tides, and green roofs can cool our cities. These innovations do more than just protect against the elements; they create jobs and bring people together for a common cause.
Change often begins from the ground up. Reforestation projects and conservation efforts led by local communities are making a difference. When people take ownership of their environment, they can change the course of their future. These initiatives not only restore ecosystems but also instill a sense of pride and hope.
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to climate change. Education can empower people to make informed decisions about their environment. Schools and community programs that focus on sustainability can nurture a new generation of environmental champions.
We must put a human face on the statistics of climate change. It’s time to demand that our leaders prioritize people over profits. They must act now to reduce emissions, support those affected by climate change, and invest in a future that is sustainable for all.
Imagine a world where climate justice isn’t just a concept, but a reality. A world where communities aren’t afraid of the next storm, where children have a future to look forward to, and where we all work together to overcome the challenges of climate change. This is the world we must strive for.
The human face of climate change compels us to act. It’s a call to each of us to do our part in securing a sustainable and equitable future. Whether through individual actions or collective efforts, every step counts. By working together, we can confront climate change and build a world that respects the dignity of every person.
Cyclones That Have Occurred In Zimbabwe
- Cyclone Eline: Year 2000.
- Cyclone Dineo: Year 2017.
- Cyclone Idai: March 2019.
- Cyclone Chalane: December 2020 and January 2021.
- Cyclone Eloise: January 2021.
- Cyclone Guambe: February 2021.
- Cyclone Ana: January 2022.
- Cyclone Gombe: March 2022.
- Cyclone Freddy: February and March 2023.
- Cyclone Filipo: March 2024.
|
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kumbirai Thierry Nhamo is an independent social justice activist, writer, researcher, and social commentator. He is also a poet, a blogger (Zealous Thierry), and is currently studying Fabrication Engineering at a polytechnic in Zimbabwe.
|
