The Impact of Climate Change on Fisheries and Aquatic lives

 

By Raphael Banda

The Impact of Climate Change on Aquatic Life needs concerted efforts.

The impact of climate change has had devasting effects on both human and aquatic lives in the recent past. Zambia and two of her neighbouring countries are grappling with the climate change effects that have resulted in drought and food insecurity in the affected regions.

We (environmental journalists/media development trainers) and other environmental enthusiasts should give close attention and action on climate change impact on fisheries and aquatic lives too.

According to reliable statistics, over 58 million people globally are employed in the primary fish sector and 600 million in the secondary fish sector. This sector has, however, been harshly affected by climate change.

According to (IPCC 2021) report, 90% of the excess heat generated by global warming is absorbed by the ocean/rivers which are home to fisheries/aquatic lives. This has major implications on animals that live in these water bodies.

The excessive heat causes the decrease in the catch potential according to the marine ecosystems’ not only that, this decreases productivity of aquatic life in other countries.

This challenge, therefore, calls for the escalation of both adaptation and mitigation measures in line with the Paris Agreement of 2015(COP 21) , UNFCCC framework and our vision 2030.

As a media development trainer, I call on  NGOS and governments heading to COP 29 this November to place much attention on the improved climate financing/activities by both higher and lower carbon emitting countries.

Whether you will attend COP 29 from the Green or Blue Zones, we all have the responsibility to protect our environment.

For comments and support reach out on (bandaraphael55@gmail.com)