Zambia- August 13, 2025
In a crucial shift of focus for international climate policy, the latest UN Climate Conference has placed the spotlight squarely on adaptation, with the southern African nation of Zambia at the heart of the discussions.
While global summits have historically been dominated by debates on mitigation—the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions—this meeting has underscored a growing consensus that for many developing countries, preparing for the unavoidable impacts of a changing climate is the most immediate and pressing priority.
Zambia, with its agricultural economy and high vulnerability to extreme weather, has emerged as a key case study for how global partnerships and targeted funding can build resilience and protect livelihoods.
The conference, which brought together heads of state, policymakers, scientists, and civil society representatives, highlighted the stark reality faced by nations on the front lines of climate change. For Zambia, a country heavily dependent on rain-fed agriculture, the climate crisis is not a distant threat but a present danger. Recent years have seen an alarming increase in the frequency and intensity of droughts, floods, and high temperatures, which have devastated crop yields, threatened food security, and disrupted the lives of millions of small-scale farmers.
According to a recent report from the Zambian government, these climate-induced shocks have exerted considerable stress on the country’s vulnerable sectors, including agriculture, water, forestry, and energy.
A central theme of the conference was the distinction between mitigation and adaptation. While mitigation involves global efforts to cut emissions to slow down the rate of warming, adaptation is about preparing for the changes that are already happening and are now irreversible. For a nation like Zambia, which contributes a minimal amount to global emissions, the focus is necessarily on adaptation. The discussion centered on a series of tangible, actionable solutions tailored to the country’s unique challenges.
These included promoting climate-smart agriculture, which involves the use of drought-resistant crops, improved water-harvesting techniques, and efficient irrigation systems. There was a strong emphasis on leveraging indigenous knowledge alongside modern technologies to create sustainable and effective solutions.
The conference also delved into the critical issue of financing. For years, developing countries have called for more substantial and accessible funding to help them adapt to climate change, a plea that has often been overshadowed by mitigation-focused pledges. Zambia’s government has put forward a comprehensive Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) plan, outlining a vision for a climate-resilient and low-carbon economy.
The estimated cost to implement both adaptation and mitigation components of this plan is a staggering US$50 billion by 2030, with a significant portion expected to come from external sources. The UN conference served as a platform for Zambia to seek firm commitments from developed nations to help bridge this massive funding gap.
Furthermore, a significant part of the conversation revolved around the role of technology and innovation. Experts at the conference showcased projects in other parts of Africa that could be replicated in Zambia, such as the use of solar-powered water pumps, the reintroduction of drought-resistant indigenous crops like millet and sorghum, and the development of early warning systems to alert communities of impending floods or droughts.
The integration of digital tools was also a key point, with proposals for using mobile technology to provide real-time weather information to farmers and to facilitate access to agricultural extension services. These discussions highlighted a path forward that not only builds resilience but also fosters economic development and job creation.
The conference also provided a platform for civil society and youth advocates from Zambia to voice their concerns and share their solutions. Young leaders spoke passionately about the need for climate education and the importance of including youth in the planning and implementation of adaptation projects. They highlighted how their generation is not only inheriting the consequences of climate change but is also a source of innovative ideas and energy. Their participation was a powerful reminder that climate action must be an inclusive process, one that empowers the most affected communities to lead the charge.
In conclusion, this UN Climate Conference marked a pivotal moment in the global climate discourse. By shining a light on Zambia’s adaptation challenges and solutions, it has helped to rebalance the conversation, ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable are not forgotten. The focus on practical, community-led strategies, coupled with a renewed push for international financial support, offers a glimmer of hope that the world can move from talking about climate change to actively and effectively adapting to its inevitable consequences. The discussions in Zambia have set a precedent for future conferences, demonstrating that real progress lies not just in cutting emissions, but in building a world that is resilient enough to withstand the changes that are already here.
