DAR ES SALAAM: Climate change is affecting Tanzania’s economic growth, causing a one percent annual loss of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Vice-President Dr. Philip Mpango revealed this while opening the Environmental Stakeholders Conference held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Center (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam on Friday.
He warned that unless affirmative action is taken to address the matter, the rate could rise to 3 percent by 2030.
The Vice-President urged stakeholders attending the event to propose solutions and new methods to prevent further environmental destruction and its effects on the country.
“In Tanzania, we have witnessed serious consequences of environmental damage, including heavy rains, floods, and landslides, which have resulted in the loss of lives, homes, and livestock.
Additionally, various infrastructures, such as electricity poles, school buildings, and healthcare centers, have been destroyed,” he said.
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Dr. Mpango noted that a large part of several regions in the country, including Mwanza, Shinyanga, Arusha, Tabora, Dodoma, Singida, Same district, as well as Mwanga and Kilimanjaro, have already turned into semi-deserts due to environmental degradation.
This year’s Environmental Day is heralded by the theme: “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.”
Meanwhile, the Vice-President instructed the Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Dr. Selemani Jafo, to ensure that all environmental publications are available in both English and Kiswahili.
During the event, organized by the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), the council awarded President Samia Suluhu Hassan the title of environmental champion for her efforts and initiatives in promoting clean energy in the country and Africa.
Other leaders who received the environmental championship award included Vice-President Dr. Philip Mpango and Minister Selemani Jafo.
