Work to Life: The Holistic Approach to Climate Action

Learn about how the UNDP Zambia Q3 Climate Champion Takes Climate Action to a Whole New Level

September 11, 2024

Muma Bwalya Munansangu, Inclusive and Sustainable Growth Programme Analyst and this August's UNDP Zambia Greening Moonshot Champion

Photo by: Vanessa Wematu Akibate

“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Muma recalls these words, first uttered by the Former Prime Minister of Norway, Gro Harlem Brundtland, reminding herself of why she started the journey to become more intentional about her climate action.

As a mother of 3, the UNDP Zambia Inclusive Growth Programme Analyst, Muma Bwalya Munansangu has been increasingly reflective on the kind of world she wants to leave for her sons. More and more, she has become confronted with the harsh effects on climate change on the continent and in Zambia. The ongoing drought has directly impacted the lives of many Zambians by causing widespread power outages and electricity loadshedding, thrusting many Zambians into food insecurity. The livelihoods of several Zambians, namely, farmers, small and medium business owners, the youth, persons with disabilities and women, have all been impacted but the drought and subsequent energy crisis. With the effects of climate change at her doorstep, Muma, like many other Zambians are transforming their everyday lives to contribute to building of a more sustainable and secure future for all.

In her role as an Inclusive Growth Programme Analyst, whose work focuses on a wide range of key development areas, such as youth empowerment and employability, small and medium enterprise development and upskilling, and rural and urban resilience, Muma is strategically positioned to enhance inject climate resilience and adaptation mechanisms into projects right from their inception. In the Creating Cities for Non-Motorised Transport Users project, she worked with the project manger to integrate key elements outlined under the Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action, to enhance the sustainability and environmental safety of industrial communities and informal settlements. She also supports project teams, encouraging them to equip small-holder farmers, rural entrepreneurs, and industries, to thrive in the face of climate change by integrating climate change adaptation and mitigation measures into the other projects such as the Supplier Development Programme.

“At the height of programme design, I am very deliberate about including adaptation principles and strategies for climate change and resilience. Adaptation cannot be an afterthought to development.”

Muma Munansangu, Inclusive and Sustainable Growth Programme Analyst and Climate Champion

However, the true work starts at the project implementation phase where it is critical to continually advocate for climate resilience and sustainable practices to further the impact of the project’s activities. “The impacts of climate change are already here and fast increasing and there is no silver bullet to prevent them or zero the risk”, Muma highlights, further noting that, “proactive and robust actions ahead of time can go a long way to helping people and communities so that when a disaster strikes, not only are they better prepared to respond but hard-won development gains are not lost.”

Walking the Talk in her daily life, Muma encourages her family and friends to play their part in preserving the environment and reducing their carbon footprint.

“In my day to day life I now encourage my friends, family and colleagues to reduce their carbon pollution through simple efforts such as using alternative sources of energy, reducing food wastage, switching off lights and appliances, choosing energy efficient appliances, planting trees and using sustainable materials. I also carpool more often now, returned to running marathons and a little bit more conscience of my diet including growing my own vegetables.”

Zambians like Muma continue to inspire action amongst colleagues, in their communities, and at home, to seek development while preserving the environment for future generations to enjoy. How are you inspiring others to take action in your work and in your daily life?